Translation guide
This entry covers how to express that something happens often or is a common event in Japanese. It includes words for frequency, common patterns, and natural phrases.
To say that something happens often or is a common event.
A common word meaning 'frequent' or 'often'. Used as a na-adjective or adverbially with に.
To emphasize that something happens with very high frequency.
Casual adverb meaning 'all the time' or 'constantly'. Very common in spoken Japanese.
To say that something is not uncommon or happens from time to time.
Means 'not rare' or 'not unusual'. A natural way to express that something is a frequent enough occurrence.
The English phrase 'frequent occurrence' is often translated directly as 頻繁な発生, but this sounds unnatural in Japanese. Instead, use 頻繁に起こる or よくある.
彼は頻繁に遅刻する。
He is frequently late.
Earthquakes occur frequently in this region.
Literally 'often exists/happens'. A very natural way to say something is a common occurrence.
That's a common occurrence.
Power outages are frequent around here.
Means 'frequent occurrence' or 'outbreak', often used for accidents, incidents, or problems. More formal than 頻繁.
Traffic accidents are occurring frequently.
Used for frequent appearance in texts, exams, or data. Not for general events.
This word appears frequently on exams.
He's late all the time.
Literally 'frequency is high'. A more analytical way to say something occurs often.
This error occurs frequently.
Earthquakes are not uncommon around here.
Means 'sometimes happens' or 'is not infrequent'. Slightly literary.
Such things happen from time to time.