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.
To emphasize that something happens with very high frequency.
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.
この辺りで地震は珍しくない。
Earthquakes are not uncommon around here.
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.
A common word meaning 'frequent' or 'often'. Used as a na-adjective or adverbially with に.
彼は頻繁に遅刻する。
He is frequently late.
この地域では地震が頻繁に起こる。
Earthquakes occur frequently in this region.
Literally 'often exists/happens'. A very natural way to say something is a common occurrence.
それはよくあることです。
That's a common occurrence.
この辺りでは停電がよくある。
Power outages are frequent around here.
Means 'frequent occurrence' or 'outbreak', often used for accidents, incidents, or problems. More formal than 頻繁.
交通事故が多発している。
Traffic accidents are occurring frequently.
Used for frequent appearance in texts, exams, or data. Not for general events.
この単語は試験に頻出する。
This word appears frequently on exams.
Casual adverb meaning 'all the time' or 'constantly'. Very common in spoken Japanese.
彼はしょっちゅう遅刻する。
He's late all the time.
Literally 'frequency is high'. A more analytical way to say something occurs often.
このエラーの頻度が高い。
This error occurs frequently.
Means 'sometimes happens' or 'is not infrequent'. Slightly literary.
そういうこともままある。
Such things happen from time to time.