Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Every" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "every", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
なにかにつけて
なにかにつけて (nanika ni tsukete)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
隔月
かくげつ (kakugetsu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "every" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between なにかにつけて and 隔月.
In Japanese, なにかにつけて (なにかにつけて (nanika ni tsukete)) is typically associated with "on every possible occasion, whenever something happens, every time, in connection with this or that" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Emphasizes 'whenever there is an occasion/opportunity' or 'in relation to various things'. It often implies a reason or trigger for an action or thought..
On the other hand, 隔月 (かくげつ (kakugetsu)) maps to "every other month, bimonthly" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Indicates something occurs once every two months. Not to be confused with 'twice a month'. A literal translation of "every" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "なにかにつけて"
彼はなにかにつけて、昔の栄光を語りたがる。
He likes to talk about his past glory on every possible occasion.
Bilingual Context for "隔月"
この雑誌は隔月で発行されています。
This magazine is published bimonthly (every other month).
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は ＿＿＿ 、昔の栄光を語りたがる。" (Meaning: "He likes to talk about his past glory on every possible occasion.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "なにかにつけて" fits here because it means "on every possible occasion, whenever something happens, every time, in connection with this or that" in the context of: "He likes to talk about his past glory on every possible occasion.". "隔月" represents "every other month, bimonthly".