Translation guide
The English phrase "this time" can refer to the current occasion, a specific instance in a sequence, or a contrast with a previous occasion. In Japanese, the most natural translation depends on context, and direct word-for-word translation is often avoided.
Referring to the present instance or the current attempt, as opposed to previous ones.
Literally 'this time', used for the current or upcoming occasion. Often implies a contrast with a previous time.
今度はうまくいった。
This time it went well.
今度の会議は大事だ。
This time's meeting is important.
More formal than 今度, often used in written or business contexts. 今回 means 'this time' as a specific instance.
今回は特別なケースです。
This time is a special case.
Very formal, used in announcements or business correspondence. Often translated as 'on this occasion'.
この度はご迷惑をおかけしました。
We apologize for the inconvenience this time.
Emphasizing a contrast with a previous or future occasion, often in a narrative.
With は, it explicitly contrasts with another time. Very common in conversation.
前回は失敗したけど、今度は成功するよ。
Last time I failed, but this time I'll succeed.
Similar contrastive use, slightly more formal.
前回とは違い、今回は準備ができている。
Unlike last time, this time we are prepared.
Marking a specific point in a series, like 'this time around'.
Used when narrating a sequence, often with a sense of 'and then this time...'
彼は最初にドアをノックした。今度は窓を叩いた。
He first knocked on the door. This time he tapped on the window.
Adds a nuance of 'once again' or 'this time again', often in storytelling.
今度はまた違う問題が起きた。
This time yet another problem occurred.
Indicating a temporary state or decision, like 'for this time only'.
Means 'only this time', implying an exception.
今回だけは許してあげる。
I'll forgive you just this time.
Similar to 今回だけ, but more casual.
今度だけ特別だよ。
It's special just this time.
Referring to a specific future time relative to now.
Literally 'around this time tomorrow'. Used for future time references.
明日の今頃は飛行機の中だ。
This time tomorrow I'll be on the plane.
Pattern: [time word] + の今頃. Works with 来年, 来月, etc.
来年の今頃はどうしているかな。
I wonder what I'll be doing this time next year.
Directly translating 'this time' as この時間 (kono jikan) or この時 (kono toki) is usually incorrect. この時間 means 'this hour/time of day', and この時 means 'at this moment (in the past)'.
✕ この時間はうまくいった。
(Incorrect for 'This time it went well')
今度 (こんど) is more conversational and can also mean 'next time' depending on context. 今回 (こんかい) is more precise for 'this time' as a specific instance and is common in formal or written language. In casual speech, 今度 is often preferred.
今度、飲みに行かない？
Do you want to go for a drink sometime? (Here 今度 means 'next time' or 'sometime soon')