Japanese word

毎回

Pronunciation

Romajimaikai

Meaning

  • adverbevery time

Example

毎回、同じ道を通ります。mai kai ona ji michi o tō ri ma su

I take the same road every time.

Illustration for 毎回 (every time)

More examples

この店に来ると、毎回違う料理を試します。ko no mise ni ku ru to mai kai chiga u ryō ri o tame shi ma su

Whenever I come to this restaurant, I try a different dish.

Core concept

Marks each occurrence of an action or event as part of a repeated pattern.

Common phrases

  • 毎回同じmai kai ona ji

    the same every time

  • 毎回違うmai kai chiga u

    different every time

  • 毎回のようにmai kai no yō ni

    almost every time

Similar words

いつもitsumo: Describes an action or event that regularly occurs on all relevant occasions.
毎度maido: Refers to every occurrence of a repeated action or event, sometimes in a formal expression.
必ずkanarazu: States that an action or event takes place on every relevant occasion without exception.
常にtsuneni: Describes something that remains true or continues throughout a period.

Definition in Japanese

ある行為や出来事が起こるたびに、その都度。a ru kō i ya de ki goto ga o ko ru ta bi ni so no tsu do

Word origin

毎 (mai, "every") + 回 (kai, "occasion") forms a compound meaning "on every occasion".

Usage tips

  • In casual conversation, 毎回 (maikai) can sound mildly critical when a repeated problem occurs, although the word itself is neutral.

Word lists with this word