Translation guide
The English word "regular" covers several distinct meanings. This guide breaks them down into practical categories and shows how to express each naturally in Japanese.
Describing something that happens routinely, is standard, or is the normal state.
Used before a noun to mean 'the usual X' or 'my regular X'. Very common in daily conversation.
いつもの席に座った。
I sat in my regular seat.
いつものコーヒーをください。
I'll have my regular coffee, please.
Means 'periodic' or 'at regular intervals'. Used for scheduled events, check-ups, etc.
定期的な健康診断を受けている。
I get regular health check-ups.
Means 'ordinary' or 'standard'. Slightly more formal than いつもの.
通常の手続きに従ってください。
Please follow the regular procedure.
Refers to one's everyday or usual state. Often used for clothes, behavior, etc.
普段の服で来てください。
Please come in your regular clothes.
Describing something that occurs at equal intervals or has a uniform arrangement.
Means 'regular' in the sense of orderly, rhythmic, or at fixed intervals. Often used for habits, heartbeat, etc.
規則正しい生活を送る。
Lead a regular life.
規則正しい間隔でバスが来る。
Buses come at regular intervals.
Literally 'equal intervals'. Used for physical spacing or timing.
木が等間隔に植えられている。
Trees are planted at regular intervals.
Referring to the standard size of a product (e.g., coffee, fries) as opposed to large or small.
Loanword from English, commonly used for sizes in cafes and fast food. Often paired with サイズ.
レギュラーサイズのコーヒーをください。
A regular-sized coffee, please.
Means 'ordinary' or 'normal'. Can be used for sizes, but レギュラー is more specific for commercial contexts.
普通のサイズでお願いします。
Regular size, please.
A person who often goes to a particular shop, restaurant, etc.
Noun meaning 'regular customer'. Very common.
彼はこの店の常連だ。
He's a regular at this shop.
More explicit 'regular customer'. Slightly more formal.
Describing a verb that follows standard conjugation rules.
Linguistic term for 'regular verb'. Used in grammar contexts.
英語の規則動詞は過去形に -ed をつける。
English regular verbs add -ed for the past tense.
Referring to a professional standing army, as opposed to reserves or militia.
Means 'regular army' or 'regular forces'. Used in military or historical contexts.
正規軍と民兵が戦った。
The regular army fought the militia.
レギュラー is mainly for sizes or as a loanword in specific phrases. For habitual or normal things, use いつもの or 定期的な.
✕ レギュラーの生活
Incorrect for 'regular life'
◯ 規則正しい生活
Correct: regular life
常連客が集まるバー。
A bar where regulars gather.