Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Repeatedly" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "repeatedly", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
しげしげ
しげしげ (shigeshige)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
縷々
るる (ruru)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "repeatedly" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between しげしげ and 縷々.
In Japanese, しげしげ (しげしげ (shigeshige)) is typically associated with "repeatedly, frequently; staringly, intently" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents An adverb that often describes looking at something or someone repeatedly, or with intense curiosity or scrutiny. It implies a lingering, thorough gaze..
On the other hand, 縷々 (るる (ruru)) maps to "repeatedly, at length, in detail; continuously, lingeringly" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents An adverb, often used with verbs like 語る. A literal translation of "repeatedly" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "しげしげ"
彼は初めて見る絵画をしげしげと眺めた。
He gazed intently at the painting he saw for the first time.
Bilingual Context for "縷々"
彼は会議でその経緯を縷々説明した。
He explained the circumstances repeatedly and in detail at the meeting.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は初めて見る絵画を ＿＿＿ と眺めた。" (Meaning: "He gazed intently at the painting he saw for the first time.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "しげしげ" fits here because it means "repeatedly, frequently; staringly, intently" in the context of: "He gazed intently at the painting he saw for the first time.". "縷々" represents "repeatedly, at length, in detail; continuously, lingeringly".