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
隔週
かくしゅう (kakushū)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "every" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 毎年 and 隔週.
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, 隔週 (かくしゅう (kakushū)) maps to "every other week, bi-weekly" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Indicates that something occurs or is done every two weeks. For example, '隔週月曜日' means 'every other Monday'.. 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 "隔週"
この雑誌は隔週で発行されている。
This magazine is published bi-weekly.
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.". "隔週" represents "every other week, bi-weekly".