度に
Each time, Every time, Whenever
Structure
Noun + の + たびに
Explanation
The grammar point たびに comes from the noun 度, which means 'occasion' or 'time'. When attached to verbs and nouns, it expresses that something consistently happens 'every time (A)' or 'whenever (A)'.
When using たびに with a noun, the particle の must be placed between them.
- この映画を見るたびに、泣いてしまう。Every time I watch this movie, I end up crying.
- 旅行するたびに、おみやげをたくさん買う。Whenever I travel, I buy a lot of souvenirs.
- 彼は会議のたびに、眠そうにしている。He looks sleepy every time there's a meeting.
- 買い物のたびに、つい余計な物を買ってしまう。Every time I go shopping, I end up buying extra things I don't need.
Fun Fact
While both ごとに and たびに can mean 'every', たびに carries a strong nuance of 'each time an action is performed'. For this reason, it is almost exclusively used with actions or events, and not with simple intervals of time.
- 料理をするたびに、キッチンが汚れる。Every time I cook, the kitchen gets messy. (Natural Japanese, as たびに follows an action)
- ３日たびに、友達に電話する。Every three days, I call my friend. (Unnatural Japanese, as たびに does not follow an action. ３日経つたびに would work here)
Examples
この写真を見る度に、亡くなったペットを思い出す。
Every time I look at this photo, I'm reminded of my pet who passed away.
彼は料理する度に、キッチンを汚す。
He makes a mess in the kitchen every time he cooks.
出張の度に、家族にお土産を買ってくる。
He brings back souvenirs for his family each time he goes on a business trip.
この歌を聞く度に、高校時代を思い出します。
Whenever I listen to this song, it reminds me of my high school days.
台風の度に停電になって困る。
It's a real hassle because the power goes out every time there's a typhoon.
祖母の家に行く度に、お菓子をたくさんくれる。
Every time I visit my grandmother's house, she gives me a ton of snacks.
喧嘩の度に「もう別れる」と言うのはやめてほしい。
I wish you'd stop saying "let's break up" every time we have a fight.
パソコンを使う度に目が疲れてしまう。
My eyes get strained every time I use the computer.
会議の度に同じ問題が話し合われる。
The same issue gets brought up at every single meeting.
彼女は嘘をつく度に、髪の毛を触る癖がある。
She has a habit of touching her hair whenever she lies.
この道を通る度に、きれいな花に癒される。
Every time I pass down this road, the beautiful flowers cheer me up.
新作の度に、このブランドの服をチェックしてしまう。
I can't help but check out this brand's clothes every time they release a new collection.