何度も
nando mo
The English phrase "again and again" is translated into Japanese as 何度も (nando mo).
何度も is used to describe something that happens many times. While it can be translated as "many times," it is specifically used to emphasize the repetitive or sometimes annoying frequency of an event, similar to how "again and again" functions in English.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 何 (how many), 度 (times) and the particle も (even/also), literally meaning "even how many times."
Which one should you use?
To emphasize the repetitive nature of an action even more strongly, you can double the phrase to 何度も何度も, which translates to "over and over."
How does it change in a sentence?
何度も functions as an adverb and can be placed before the verb it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
nando mo
Did you know?
- When apologizing for a mistake made 'again and again', Japanese speakers often switch to 重ね重ね (kasane-gasane), which evokes the image of layers piling up.
- The character 度 in 何度も is a linguistic chameleon. Beyond counting 'times', it is used to measure 'degree' in 程度 (teido) and even 'temperature' in words like 温度 (ondo).
- When speakers use 何度も何度も to express frustration, they often elongate the final vowel sound of も to emphasize their annoyance.
Examples in context
- 私は何度もやってみた。I tried again and again.This sentence shows how to use 何度も to express trying something repeatedly.Tatoeba #158089 by bunbuku, translation #256440 by CK
- 彼女は彼を何度も殴った。She hit him again and again.This sentence demonstrates the use of 何度も to describe a repeated action.Tatoeba #1492225 by bunbuku, translation #887212 by CK
- 私はその手紙を何度も何度も読んだ。I read the letter again and again.This sentence illustrates how doubling the phrase to 何度も何度も emphasizes reading something many times.Tatoeba #160050 by bunbuku, translation #254472 by CK
- 彼は再三再四、申し訳なさそうに謝罪した。He repeatedly apologized, seeming genuinely sorry.
- 彼女は何度も試験に合格した。She passed the exam many times.
- 友達と何回も遊んだ。I played with my friend many times.
- 犬がくり返し吠えた。The dog barked repeatedly.
- 何度も何度もお礼を言われた。I was thanked again and again.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta is practicing a song on the piano in the living room.
- 陽葵 Himari健太君、何度も同じところを弾いているね。Kenta-kun, nando mo onaji tokoro o hiite iru ne.Kenta, you are playing the same part over and over again.
- 健太 Kentaうん、何度も練習しないと上手くならないから。Un, nando mo renshuu shinai to umaku naranai kara.Yeah, because if I don't practice many times, I won't get better.
- 陽葵 Himariでも、あまり無理しないでね。Demo, amari muri shinai de ne.But don't push yourself too hard.
- 健太 Kentaありがとう、陽葵。頑張るよ。Arigatou, Himari. Ganbaru yo.Thanks, Himari. I'll do my best.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 何度も, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
