Translation guide
The English word 'frequency' has two main meanings: how often something happens, and the rate of a wave or signal. This guide covers both, with a focus on natural Japanese expressions for each.
Expressing the rate at which an event occurs over time.
Referring to the number of cycles per second of a wave, such as sound or radio.
頻度 (frequency) is an abstract concept, while 回数 (number of times) is a concrete count. Use 頻度 when discussing how often something happens in general, and 回数 when specifying the exact number of occurrences.
使用頻度が高い
high frequency of use
使用回数が10回を超えた
the number of uses exceeded 10 times
The adjective 'frequent' is usually translated as 頻繁な (ひんぱんな) or よくある, not directly from 頻度. For example, 'frequent visits' is 頻繁な訪問, not 頻度の訪問.
The frequency of use of this word is high.
電車の運行頻度を上げてほしい。
I wish they would increase the frequency of train services.
Literally 'number of times'. Used when focusing on the count of occurrences, often in a given period.
週に何回くらいの頻度で運動していますか？
About how many times a week do you exercise?
利用回数に制限はありますか？
Is there a limit on the number of times you can use it?
Pattern for expressing frequency per time unit: [time period]に[number]回. Very common in daily conversation.
週に3回ジムに行きます。
I go to the gym three times a week.
月に1回映画を見ます。
I watch a movie once a month.
Means 'how often'. A polite and common way to ask about frequency.
どれくらいの頻度で旅行しますか？
How often do you travel?
The standard technical term for frequency in physics and engineering. Used for radio waves, sound, etc.
このラジオの周波数を合わせてください。
Please tune to the frequency of this radio.
音の周波数が高いほど、高い音に聞こえる。
The higher the frequency of the sound, the higher the pitch we hear.
Literally 'vibration number'. Used in physics, but less common than 周波数 in everyday technical contexts.
振動数が増えるとエネルギーも増加する。
As the frequency increases, the energy also increases.