Translation guide
The English word 'times' has several distinct uses. This guide covers how to express multiplication, frequency/occurrences, periods/eras, and specific moments in natural Japanese.
Expressing mathematical multiplication (e.g., '3 times 4').
The standard way to say 'A times B' in math. Use the particle を optionally: A に B をかける.
3 times 4 is 12.
If you multiply 5 by 6, you get 30.
Literally 'make A B-fold'. More formal or written style. 倍 means 'times' as in multiplication factor.
If you multiply 2 by 3, you get 6.
Expressing how many times something happens (e.g., 'three times a day').
The counter 回 is used for occurrences. Attach to a number. For 'once' and 'twice', use 一回 (いっかい) and 二回 (にかい).
I take medicine three times a day.
I've only been to Japan twice.
Also means 'times' for occurrences, but often used for larger numbers or in formal contexts. 一度 (いちど) means 'once', 二度 (にど) 'twice'. Note: 度 can also mean 'degrees'.
I've seen this movie three times.
Used for multiplicative frequency, like 'three times as many'. Not for simple occurrence counting.
This year's sales are three times last year's.
Referring to a historical period or era (e.g., 'ancient times', 'in times of war').
General word for 'era', 'period', 'times'. Can be used for historical periods or personal eras.
The Edo period lasted a long time.
memories of one's younger days
Means 'around the time', 'in the days of'. Used as a suffix. More vague than 時代.
Means 'time' or 'when'. In phrases like 'in times of trouble', 時 is used.
Literary/poetic word for 'world', 'age', 'times'. Often in set phrases like 世の中 (the world/society).
Referring to a particular occasion or point in time (e.g., 'there are times when...').
Both 回 and 度 mean 'times' for occurrences. 回 is more common in daily speech. 度 is slightly more formal and often used in set phrases like 一度 (once). For 'twice', 二回 is more common than 二度, but both are acceptable. For large numbers, 回 is preferred.
I met him three times.
I met him three times. (slightly more formal/literary)
The katakana word タイムズ is only used in proper nouns like 'New York Times' (ニューヨーク・タイムズ). It is not used for multiplication, frequency, or periods.
When I was a child, I often played in the river.
困った時はお互い様です。
In times of trouble, we help each other.
It was truly the age of warring states.