Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Repeatedly" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "repeatedly", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
たびたび
たびたび (tabitabi)
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 たびたび and 縷々.
In Japanese, たびたび (たびたび (tabitabi)) is typically associated with "repeatedly; often; frequently" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 副詞。「よく」「しばしば」と同じような意味で、同じことが繰り返される頻度が高いことを表します。少し硬い表現です。.
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 "たびたび"
彼はたびたび遅刻するので、先生に注意された。
He is often late, so the teacher warned him.
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 ＿＿＿ 遅刻するので、先生に注意された。" (Meaning: "He is often late, so the teacher warned him.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "たびたび" fits here because it means "repeatedly; often; frequently" in the context of: "He is often late, so the teacher warned him.". "縷々" represents "repeatedly, at length, in detail; continuously, lingeringly".