Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Repeatedly" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "repeatedly", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
縷々
るる (ruru)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
三顧の礼
三顧のさんこのれい
C2PLUS / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "repeatedly" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 縷々 and 三顧の礼.
In Japanese, 縷々 (るる (ruru)) is typically associated with "repeatedly, at length, in detail; continuously, lingeringly" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents An adverb, often used with verbs like 語る.
On the other hand, 三顧の礼 (三顧のさんこのれい) maps to "repeatedly visiting someone to ask for their help, showing great respect and sincerity (three visits to a thatched cottage)" (Syllabus Level: C2PLUS) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2PLUS vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "repeatedly" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "三顧の礼"
私は三顧の礼に興味があります。
I am interested in repeatedly visiting someone to ask for their help, showing great respect and sincerity (three visits to a thatched cottage).
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は会議でその経緯を ＿＿＿ 説明した。" (Meaning: "He explained the circumstances repeatedly and in detail at the meeting.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "縷々" fits here because it means "repeatedly, at length, in detail; continuously, lingeringly" in the context of: "He explained the circumstances repeatedly and in detail at the meeting.". "三顧の礼" represents "repeatedly visiting someone to ask for their help, showing great respect and sincerity (three visits to a thatched cottage)".