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.
I go to the gym three times a week.
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.
An adverb meaning 'often' or 'many times'. It implies repeated occurrences.
Means 'many times' or 'repeatedly'. 何度も (なんども) is also common.
Means 'the Nth time'. Used to specify which occurrence in a sequence.
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'.
This room is twice as large as that room.
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.
I have been to Tokyo three times.
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.
I have an annual health checkup (once a year).
彼は度々遅刻します。
He is often late.
I've explained it many times, and you still don't understand?
次回はもっと早く来てください。
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.