How to Say “Every Month” in Japanese: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “every month” in Japanese! Whether you are planning a trip to Japan, learning the language, or simply exploring different cultures, understanding how to express time in Japanese is essential. In this guide, we will cover both the formal and informal ways of expressing “every month,” and provide helpful tips and examples along the way.

Formal Ways to Say “Every Month” in Japanese

In formal settings, such as business or formal conversations, it is important to use appropriate expressions. Let’s take a look at some formal ways to express “every month” in Japanese:

1. 毎月 (まいつき, maitsuki)

The most common and straightforward way to express “every month” in formal Japanese is by using the word 毎月 (まいつき, maitsuki). This term can be used in various sentences and contexts. For example:

毎月会議があります。
(Maitsuki kaigi ga arimasu.)
Translation: We have a meeting every month.

2. 月ごとに (つきごとに, tsuki gotoni)

Another formal expression for “every month” is 月ごとに (つきごとに, tsuki gotoni). This phrase is often used when discussing events or activities that occur regularly on a monthly basis. Here’s an example:

借金の返済は月ごとに行ってください。
(Shakkin no hensai wa tsuki gotoni okonatte kudasai.)
Translation: Please make the debt repayment every month.

Informal Ways to Say “Every Month” in Japanese

In informal situations, among friends or in casual conversations, you can use more relaxed expressions for “every month.” Let’s explore some informal ways to say “every month” in Japanese:

1. 毎月 (まいつき, maitsuki)

Just like in formal Japanese, 毎月 (まいつき, maitsuki) is commonly used in informal contexts as well. It is a versatile expression that works in various scenarios. Here’s an example:

毎月パーティーに行くよ。
(Maitsuki paatii ni iku yo.)
Translation: I go to parties every month.

2. 月ごと (つきごと, tsuki goto)

Another informal way to express “every month” is to use 月ごと (つきごと, tsuki goto). This phrase drops the “に” (ni) from the formal version, making it more casual. Example usage:

映画館には月ごと行く。
(Eigakan ni wa tsuki goto iku.)
Translation: I go to the cinema every month.

Regional Variations for “Every Month” in Japanese

While Japanese is primarily a homogeneous language, there can be regional variations in expressions. However, when it comes to expressing “every month,” there are no significant regional differences. The formal and informal expressions mentioned earlier are widely used throughout Japan.

Tips and Additional Phrases

• 1. Remember particle usage: When using expressions like 毎月 (まいつき, maitsuki) or 月ごと (つきごと, tsuki goto) to mean “every month,” you don’t need additional particles. They work as standalone phrases.
• 2. Add specific time references: To talk about events happening every month, you can add specific time references. For example, 月初め (つきはじめ, tsuki hajime) means “beginning of the month,” while 月末 (げつまつ, getsu matsi) means “end of the month.” Combination examples:
  • 毎月月初めに家族と食事に行く。 (まいつき つきはじめ に かぞく としょくじ に いく。)
    Translation: I go out for a meal with my family at the beginning of every month.
  • 毎月月末に給料日が来る。 (まいつき げつまつ に きゅうりょうび が くる。)
    Translation: Payday comes at the end of every month.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have now learned various ways to say “every month” in Japanese, both formally and informally. Remember to adapt your usage based on the context and your relationship with the person you are speaking to. By incorporating phrases like 毎月 (まいつき, maitsuki) and 月ごと (つきごと, tsuki goto) into your Japanese vocabulary, you’ll be able to effectively communicate your ideas about monthly occurrences. Enjoy practicing, and may your language skills continue to flourish!