Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Next" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "next", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
来月
らいげつ (raigetsu)
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 来月 and 今度.
In Japanese, 来月 (らいげつ (raigetsu)) is typically associated with "next month" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Refers to the month following the current one. Used for future plans or upcoming events..
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 "来月"
来月、日本へ行きます。
I will go to Japan next month.
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: " ＿＿＿ 、日本へ行きます。" (Meaning: "I will go to Japan next month.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "来月" fits here because it means "next month" in the context of: "I will go to Japan next month.". "今度" represents "next time; another time; this time".