Translation guide
Expresses that something happens at consistent intervals or in a steady, habitual manner. Japanese uses various adverbs and phrases depending on whether the focus is on frequency, routine, or systematic action.
The action occurs repeatedly with a consistent time gap.
The most direct equivalent for 'regularly' in the sense of scheduled, periodic events. Neutral and widely used.
私は定期的に歯医者に行っています。
I go to the dentist regularly.
Literally 'every time', used when something happens each instance of a recurring event.
彼は会議に毎回遅れてくる。
He regularly shows up late to meetings.
Means 'at regular intervals'. More formal and often used in technical or written contexts.
この薬は一定の間隔で服用してください。
Please take this medicine at regular intervals.
The action is part of one's regular habits or daily life.
Common word for 'always' or 'regularly' in the sense of habitual action. Very natural in casual speech.
彼はいつも朝早く起きる。
He regularly gets up early in the morning.
Emphasizes that something is done as a matter of course, in one's normal routine.
普段から運動するようにしています。
I try to exercise regularly.
Literally 'habitually'. More formal and often used in written or analytical contexts.
彼は習慣的に日記をつけている。
He regularly keeps a diary.
The action occurs many times, without strict scheduling.
Very common word for 'often' or 'frequently'. Can imply regularity through repetition.
彼はよく遅刻する。
He is regularly late.
Somewhat formal/literary word for 'often' or 'frequently'. Used in writing or formal speech.
この問題はしばしば議論される。
This issue is regularly discussed.
Means 'frequently' or 'regularly' with a nuance of high occurrence. Slightly formal.
彼は頻繁に海外出張に行く。
He regularly goes on overseas business trips.
The action is performed with regularity and without interruption.
Emphasizes orderly, disciplined regularity. Often used for lifestyle habits.
規則正しい生活を送ることが大切です。
It's important to live regularly.
Loanword from English 'constant'. Implies steady, uninterrupted regularity. Common in business contexts.
売上がコンスタントに伸びている。
Sales are growing regularly.
Means 'steadily' or 'regularly' with a nuance of making solid progress step by step.
彼は着実に力をつけている。
He is regularly improving his skills.
In many cases, Japanese expresses regularity through context or verb forms (like 〜ている for habitual actions) rather than a specific adverb. Overusing 定期的に can sound stiff in casual conversation.
定期的に focuses on scheduled intervals (e.g., every month), while いつも implies habitual action without a fixed schedule. Use 定期的に for appointments, payments, etc., and いつも for daily routines.