Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'every time' depends on whether you mean 'whenever something happens' or 'on each separate occasion.' The most common pattern uses 〜度に (tabi ni) or 〜ごとに (goto ni). For repeated actions, 〜時はいつも (toki wa itsumo) is also natural. Directly translating 'every time' as 毎回 (maikai) is possible but often sounds stiff in casual speech.
Expressing that something occurs each time a certain condition or event takes place.
Attach to the dictionary form of a verb or a noun + の. It means 'every time one does something' or 'whenever something happens.' Very common and natural.
彼に会う度に、新しい話を聞く。
Every time I see him, I hear a new story.
この曲を聴く度に、故郷を思い出す。
Every time I listen to this song, I remember my hometown.
Attach to a noun or the dictionary form of a verb. It emphasizes each individual occurrence or unit. Often interchangeable with 〜度に, but can sound slightly more systematic or regular.
彼は会議の度に遅刻する。
He is late every time there is a meeting.
試合ごとにチームは強くなる。
The team gets stronger every time they play a match.
Literally 'whenever ~, always.' Attach to the plain form of a verb or adjective. More conversational than 〜度に.
雨が降る時はいつも、この傘を使う。
Every time it rains, I use this umbrella.
Means 'every time' or 'each time.' Often used as an adverb. Can sound a bit formal or emphatic in casual speech. Commonly used in written or formal contexts.
毎回同じ間違いをする。
I make the same mistake every time.
Referring to each instance of a repeated event, not necessarily triggered by a condition.
Used as an adverb meaning 'every time' or 'each time.' Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese, though slightly formal.
毎回、彼は一番に来る。
Every time, he comes first.
Literally 'on that occasion' or 'each time that happens.' Refers back to a previously mentioned event. Very natural in conversation.
彼は遅刻した。そして、その度に言い訳をした。
He was late. And every time, he made an excuse.
Emphasizing that something happens without exception.
Means 'without fail' or 'always.' Used to stress that something happens every single time. Can be combined with 〜度に or 〜時.
彼は約束の時間に必ず遅れる。
He is late every single time without fail.
Means 'always.' When combined with a conditional clause, it emphasizes the repetitive nature. Less formal than 必ず.
Both mean 'every time,' but 〜度に focuses on the occasion or event, while 〜ごとに emphasizes each individual unit or repetition. 〜ごとに can also mean 'every (interval)' like 1時間ごとに (every hour). In many cases they are interchangeable, but 〜度に is more common for personal experiences.
Directly translating 'every time' as 毎回 in casual conversation can sound unnatural. Use 〜度に or 〜時はいつも for a more natural flow.
日本に行く度に、京都を訪れる。
Every time I go to Japan, I visit Kyoto.
彼女はその映画を見る度に泣く。
She cries every time she watches that movie.
Every time I see her, I feel happy.