Translation guide
The English word 'every' is used to refer to all members of a group individually. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 毎 (まい) attached to time words, but other patterns exist depending on what is being described. This guide covers the main ways to express 'every' in natural Japanese.
Expressing that something happens each day, week, month, etc.
The prefix 毎 (まい) attaches directly to many time nouns to mean 'every ~'. This is the most common and natural way to express frequency.
毎日運動しています。
I exercise every day.
毎週金曜日に会議があります。
There is a meeting every Friday.
毎年旅行に行きます。
I go on a trip every year.
This pattern emphasizes the interval, meaning 'every ~' or 'at intervals of ~'. It can be used with specific durations.
3時間ごとに薬を飲んでください。
Please take the medicine every three hours.
1週間ごとにレポートを提出します。
I submit a report every week.
Referring to each individual item or person in a set.
This pattern means 'every N' or 'any N' and emphasizes that the statement applies to all members without exception. It is very common and natural.
どの学生も試験に合格しました。
Every student passed the exam.
Expressing that something occurs at regular intervals of a certain number.
This is the standard way to say 'every X units'. The counter must match the noun being counted.
電車は10分ごとに来ます。
The train comes every 10 minutes.
2ページごとにイラストがあります。
There is an illustration every two pages.
Expressing that something happens on each occasion.
This pattern means 'every time I do ~' or 'whenever ~'. It is very common and natural.
彼女に会うたびにドキドキします。
Every time I see her, my heart races.
この曲を聞くたびに故郷を思い出します。
Every time I hear this song, I remember my hometown.
Emphasizing that no member of a group is excluded.
毎〜 is the default for common time expressions (毎日, 毎週, etc.). 〜ごとに emphasizes the interval and is used with specific numbers or less common time units (3時間ごとに, 1年ごとに). For 'every other day', use 1日おきに rather than 毎〜.
毎日新聞を読みます。
I read the newspaper every day.
2日ごとに新聞を読みます。
I read the newspaper every two days.
English 'every' with non-time nouns (every person, every book) is not expressed with 毎. Use patterns like どの〜も, すべての, or あらゆる instead. Saying 毎人 is incorrect.
Every country has its own culture.
This is a more formal or literary way to say 'every possible' or 'all kinds of'. It is often used in written language.
あらゆる手段を試しました。
I tried every possible means.
あらゆる可能性を考慮する必要がある。
We need to consider every possibility.
Literally 'all N', this can often translate to 'every N' when the focus is on the totality. It is slightly more formal than どの〜も.
すべての人が平等である。
Every person is equal.
すべての部屋にエアコンが付いています。
Every room has air conditioning.
This means 'every other ~' or 'at intervals of ~', but note that it can be ambiguous: 1日おきに can mean 'every other day' or 'every two days'. Use with care.
Can be ambiguous; ごとに is clearer for simple frequency.
1日おきにジムに行っています。
I go to the gym every other day.
This conditional form can mean 'whenever' or 'every time' for habitual or natural consequences.
春になると桜が咲きます。
Every spring, the cherry blossoms bloom.
Literally 'one person, one person', this emphasizes each individual. It can be used for people or metaphorically for things.
一人ひとりの意見を尊重します。
We respect every single person's opinion.
A casual, emphatic way to say 'every single one' or 'each and every one'. Often used when complaining or expressing surprise.
どれもこれも高すぎる。
Every single one is too expensive.
どの人も親切でした。
Every person was kind.
どの人も親切でした。
Every person was kind.