Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Next" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "next", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
来年
らいねん (rainen)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
今度
こんど (kondo)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "next" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 来年 and 今度.
In Japanese, 来年 (らいねん (rainen)) is typically associated with "next year" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Refers to the year immediately following the current one..
On the other hand, 今度 (こんど (kondo)) maps to "next time; another time; this time" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Mainly refers to 'next time' or 'another time' in the future. Can also mean 'this time' or 'the last time' depending on context. A literal translation of "next" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "来年"
来年、結婚する予定です。
I plan to get married next year.
Bilingual Context for "今度"
今度、一緒に映画を見に行きませんか。
Would you like to go see a movie together next time?
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 、結婚する予定です。" (Meaning: "I plan to get married next year.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "来年" fits here because it means "next year" in the context of: "I plan to get married next year.". "今度" represents "next time; another time; this time".