Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Every" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "every", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
毎年
まいとし (maitoshi)
N5 / 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 毎年 and 隔月.
In Japanese, 毎年 (まいとし (maitoshi)) is typically associated with "every year" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Indicates an action or event that occurs yearly. 「毎年」 can also be read 'mainen', but 'maitoshi' is more common in N5 level spoken Japanese..
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 "毎年"
毎年、家族と旅行に行きます。
I go on a trip with my family every year.
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: " ＿＿＿ 、家族と旅行に行きます。" (Meaning: "I go on a trip with my family every year.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "毎年" fits here because it means "every year" in the context of: "I go on a trip with my family every year.". "隔月" represents "every other month, bimonthly".