Translation guide
Describes things that are consecutive, placed with backs facing each other, or happening one after another without a break.
Expressing that events, wins, losses, or items occur one after another without interruption.
Used as a modifier before a noun to mean 'consecutive' or 'back-to-back'. Common with wins, losses, appearances, etc.
彼は3連続の優勝を果たした。
He achieved three back-to-back championships.
連続のホームランで試合が決まった。
The game was decided by back-to-back home runs.
Describing two things positioned so that their backs are touching or facing opposite directions.
Literally 'with backs facing each other'. Used for physical positioning of people or objects.
彼らは背中合わせに座った。
They sat back-to-back.
Describing meetings, appointments, or tasks scheduled immediately one after another.
Adverb meaning 'in rapid succession'. Suitable for back-to-back meetings or tasks.
今日は会議が立て続けに入っている。
I have back-to-back meetings today.
Do not translate 'back-to-back' literally as 背中から背中へ or similar. Use the appropriate Japanese expression based on context.
連続 is neutral and can be used in formal contexts. 立て続け emphasizes the rapid succession and is slightly more casual. For scheduling, 立て続け is very common.
Noun meaning 'consecutive' or 'successive'. Often used with numbers or in compound words.
そのチームは5連続で負けた。
The team lost five games back-to-back.
連続して雨の日が続いている。
We've had back-to-back rainy days.
Adverb/noun meaning 'one after another' or 'in rapid succession'. Emphasizes the lack of pause between events.
立て続けに問題が起きた。
Problems occurred back-to-back.
彼は立て続けに3本のヒットを打った。
He hit three back-to-back hits.
Slang term from mahjong meaning 'consecutive wins' or 'back-to-back'. Used casually for any repeated success or occurrence.
今日は連チャンで当たりが出た！
I got back-to-back wins today!
Arrange the sofas back-to-back.
Attributive form meaning 'back-to-back' (adjacent with backs touching).
背中合わせの席はプライバシーが保たれる。
Back-to-back seats provide privacy.
Noun meaning 'back-to-back' position. Less common than 背中合わせ.
二人は背合わせで立っていた。
The two stood back-to-back.
My schedule is packed back-to-back.
Means 'without a break'. Can be used for back-to-back activities.
休みなく会議が続いた。
The meetings continued back-to-back.
Loanword meaning 'nonstop'. Casual way to say back-to-back.
ノンストップで仕事が入ってくる。
Work comes in back-to-back.