Translation guide
Expresses how something changes, happens, or is tracked on an annual basis.
Describing how something increases, decreases, or evolves each year.
Adverb meaning 'year by year' or 'annually', often used with verbs of change like 増える (increase) or 減る (decrease).
The population of this town is increasing year by year.
Literally 'as the years pass', emphasizing gradual change over time. Slightly more formal or written.
Combines 'every year' with ～ていく to show ongoing change. Natural in spoken Japanese.
It's getting hotter year by year, isn't it?
Listing or comparing figures, events, or achievements for each year.
Means 'by year' or 'for each year', used when presenting data or events separately per year.
I compiled the year-by-year sales into a graph.
Specifically 'by fiscal/academic year', common in business or educational contexts.
Compare the budget year by year (by fiscal year).
Formal written term meaning 'each year', often in reports or historical records.
We analyzed the data for each year.
Comparing one year with the next, often in statistics or performance.
Avoid direct translations like '年によって年' (year by year) which is unnatural. Use the patterns above depending on context.
年々 emphasizes gradual change over years, while 毎年 simply means 'every year' as a recurring event. Use 年々 for trends, 毎年 for habits or schedules.
The company's profits are growing year by year.
We review the year-by-year data.
Technology is advancing year by year.