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
隔月
かくげつ (kakugetsu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "every" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 毎晩 and 隔月.
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, 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 "毎晩"
毎晩、日本語を勉強します。
I study Japanese every night.
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: " ＿＿＿ 、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.". "隔月" represents "every other month, bimonthly".