Translation guide
The English adverb 'repeatedly' describes an action done many times, often with a sense of persistence or annoyance. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adverbs, verb forms, and sentence patterns that convey repetition, frequency, or doing something over and over.
Express that an action is done many times, often with a neutral or slightly persistent tone.
A versatile adverb meaning 'repeatedly' or 'over and over'. Can be used in both spoken and written Japanese. It is the most direct equivalent.
He repeatedly asked the same question.
I was told that story repeatedly.
Literally 'many times', this is a very common and natural way to say 'repeatedly'. It emphasizes the number of times.
I called repeatedly, but he didn't answer.
She makes the same mistake repeatedly.
Means 'often' or 'frequently', implying repeated occurrences over time. Slightly more formal than 何度も.
He is repeatedly late.
Emphasize that an action is repeated persistently, sometimes to the point of being bothersome.
Adverbial form of しつこい (persistent, insistent). Carries a negative nuance of being annoyingly repetitive.
He repeatedly invited me (in an annoying way).
Similar to 何度も, but uses the counter 回 for occurrences. Can sound more casual.
I've told you repeatedly!
A pattern indicating repeated alternation or doing something over and over. Often used for habitual or annoying repetition.
Express that an action is done repeatedly in quick succession or without interruption.
Indicate that an action is repeated as a habit or routine.
Means 'always' or 'every time'. In context, it can convey that someone repeatedly does something as a habit.
He repeatedly complains (always complains).
More formal than いつも, meaning 'constantly' or 'always'. Used for habitual or repeated states/actions.
Both mean 'repeatedly', but 何度も focuses on the number of times (many times), while 繰り返し emphasizes the action of repeating itself. 何度も is more colloquial; 繰り返し is slightly more formal and often used in written language.
English often uses 'repeatedly' as a standalone adverb, but in Japanese, it's more natural to use frequency adverbs (何度も, よく) or verb forms (〜ている, 〜てくる) to express repetition. Overusing 繰り返し can sound stiff.
He repeatedly asked for help.
The phone rang repeatedly.
She repeatedly made the same mistake.
Writing and erasing repeatedly, I finally finished the letter.
He hit three home runs repeatedly (in a row).
He is repeatedly (constantly) thinking of new ideas.