Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Every" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "every", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
毎月
まいつき (maitsuki)
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 毎月 and 隔月.
In Japanese, 毎月 (まいつき (maitsuki)) is typically associated with "every month" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used to indicate an action or event that occurs monthly. Can be combined with verbs..
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 "毎月"
私は毎月日本の映画を見ます。
I watch Japanese movies every month.
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: "私は ＿＿＿ 日本の映画を見ます。" (Meaning: "I watch Japanese movies every month.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "毎月" fits here because it means "every month" in the context of: "I watch Japanese movies every month.". "隔月" represents "every other month, bimonthly".