Translation guide
The English word 'frequency' has two main meanings: how often something happens, and the rate of a wave or signal. This guide covers both, with a focus on natural Japanese expressions for each.
Expressing the rate at which an event occurs over time.
The most direct and common translation for 'frequency' in the sense of occurrence rate. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
Referring to the number of cycles per second of a wave, such as sound or radio.
この単語の使用頻度は高い。
The frequency of use of this word is high.
I wish they would increase the frequency of train services.
Literally 'number of times'. Used when focusing on the count of occurrences, often in a given period.
About how many times a week do you exercise?
Is there a limit on the number of times you can use it?
Pattern for expressing frequency per time unit: [time period]に[number]回. Very common in daily conversation.
I go to the gym three times a week.
I watch a movie once a month.
Means 'how often'. A polite and common way to ask about frequency.
How often do you travel?
The standard technical term for frequency in physics and engineering. Used for radio waves, sound, etc.
Please tune to the frequency of this radio.
The higher the frequency of the sound, the higher the pitch we hear.
Literally 'vibration number'. Used in physics, but less common than 周波数 in everyday technical contexts.
As the frequency increases, the energy also increases.
the number of uses exceeded 10 times
The adjective 'frequent' is usually translated as 頻繁な (ひんぱんな) or よくある, not directly from 頻度. For example, 'frequent visits' is 頻繁な訪問, not 頻度の訪問.