Translation guide
The English word 'times' has several distinct uses. This guide covers how to express multiplication, frequency/occurrences, periods/eras, and specific moments in natural Japanese.
Expressing mathematical multiplication (e.g., '3 times 4').
The standard way to say 'A times B' in math. Use the particle を optionally: A に B をかける.
3かける4は12です。
3 times 4 is 12.
5に6をかけると30になります。
If you multiply 5 by 6, you get 30.
Literally 'make A B-fold'. More formal or written style. 倍 means 'times' as in multiplication factor.
2を3倍すると6になります。
If you multiply 2 by 3, you get 6.
Expressing how many times something happens (e.g., 'three times a day').
The counter 回 is used for occurrences. Attach to a number. For 'once' and 'twice', use 一回 (いっかい) and 二回 (にかい).
一日に三回薬を飲みます。
I take medicine three times a day.
日本に行ったのは二回だけです。
I've only been to Japan twice.
Also means 'times' for occurrences, but often used for larger numbers or in formal contexts. 一度 (いちど) means 'once', 二度 (にど) 'twice'. Note: 度 can also mean 'degrees'.
この映画は三度見ました。
I've seen this movie three times.
Used for multiplicative frequency, like 'three times as many'. Not for simple occurrence counting.
今年の売り上げは去年の三倍です。
This year's sales are three times last year's.
Referring to a historical period or era (e.g., 'ancient times', 'in times of war').
General word for 'era', 'period', 'times'. Can be used for historical periods or personal eras.
江戸時代は長く続きました。
The Edo period lasted a long time.
若い時代の思い出
memories of one's younger days
Means 'around the time', 'in the days of'. Used as a suffix. More vague than 時代.
子供の頃、よく川で遊びました。
When I was a child, I often played in the river.
Means 'time' or 'when'. In phrases like 'in times of trouble', 時 is used.
Literary/poetic word for 'world', 'age', 'times'. Often in set phrases like 世の中 (the world/society).
世はまさに戦国時代だった。
It was truly the age of warring states.
Referring to a particular occasion or point in time (e.g., 'there are times when...').
Used to say 'there are times when...'. The clause before 時 is in plain form.
何もしたくない時があります。
There are times when I don't want to do anything.
Means 'there are also times/cases when...'. Implies it's not always, but sometimes.
電車が遅れることもあります。
There are times when the train is late.
Both 回 and 度 mean 'times' for occurrences. 回 is more common in daily speech. 度 is slightly more formal and often used in set phrases like 一度 (once). For 'twice', 二回 is more common than 二度, but both are acceptable. For large numbers, 回 is preferred.
The katakana word タイムズ is only used in proper nouns like 'New York Times' (ニューヨーク・タイムズ). It is not used for multiplication, frequency, or periods.
In times of trouble, we help each other.