Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Every" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "every", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
毎晩
まいばん (maiban)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
毎年
まいとし (maitoshi)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "every" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 毎晩 and 毎年.
In Japanese, 毎晩 (まいばん (maiban)) is typically associated with "every night" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Indicates an action or event that occurs nightly. 「毎」.
On the other hand, 毎年 (まいとし (maitoshi)) maps to "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.. A literal translation of "every" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "毎晩"
毎晩、日本語を勉強します。
I study Japanese every night.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 、日本語を勉強します。" (Meaning: "I study Japanese every night.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "毎晩" fits here because it means "every night" in the context of: "I study Japanese every night.". "毎年" represents "every year".