Translation guide
How to express frequency or count of occurrences in Japanese, using counters, adverbs, and patterns.
To say how many times an action or event occurs.
Use the counter 回 (かい) after a number to mean 'N times'. This is the most common way to express frequency.
週に3回ジムに行きます。
I go to the gym three times a week.
この映画を2回見ました。
I've seen this movie twice.
度 (ど) also means 'times', but is slightly more formal and often used for occasions or degrees. It can be interchangeable with 回 in many cases, but 回 is more common for simple counting.
年に一度の健康診断を受けます。
I have an annual health checkup (once a year).
An adverb meaning 'often' or 'many times'. It implies repeated occurrences.
彼は度々遅刻します。
He is often late.
Means 'many times' or 'repeatedly'. 何度も (なんども) is also common.
何回も説明したのに、まだわからないの？
I've explained it many times, and you still don't understand?
Means 'the Nth time'. Used to specify which occurrence in a sequence.
3回目の挑戦で合格した。
I passed on my third attempt.
To express multiplication or comparison of quantity.
倍 (ばい) means 'times' as in multiplication. Use after a number to say 'N times as much/many'.
この部屋はあの部屋の2倍の広さです。
This room is twice as large as that room.
価格が3倍になった。
The price tripled (became three times as much).
To refer to a specific occurrence or instance.
Both mean 'times', but 回 is more common for counting occurrences. 度 is slightly more formal and often used for occasions or degrees (e.g., 一度 means 'once' but also 'one degree'). In many cases they are interchangeable, but 回 is safer for beginners.
東京には3回行ったことがあります。
I have been to Tokyo three times.
年に一度の祭り
annual festival (once a year)
The English word 'time' can mean 'occurrence' or 'clock time'. In Japanese, these are different words. For clock time, use 時間 (じかん) or 時 (じ). For 'number of times', use 回 or 度.
Please come earlier next time.
前回の会議の議事録を送ってください。
Please send the minutes of the last meeting.