毎年
maitoshi[ma̠ito̞ɕi]
The English phrase "every year" is translated into Japanese as 毎年 (maitoshi).
毎年 is used to describe something that happens once in each twelve-month period.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 毎 (every) and 年 (year).
Which one should you use?
While 毎年 can be read as mainen in more formal or technical contexts, maitoshi is the most common way to say "every year" in daily conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase functions as an adverbial noun and does not require a particle like ni to indicate frequency, though adding ni is grammatically possible in some contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
maitoshi
Did you know?
- Japanese has a specific word 年々 'nennen' used for things that happen 'every year' when the change is steady and incremental rather than a simple recurring event.
- The reading 'toshi' for the character 年 comes from native Japanese origins, while 'nen' is the Chinese-derived reading used in more formal compounds.
- When written in traditional calligraphy or formal letters, the reading maitoshi is often preferred for seasonal greetings to convey a more elegant tone.
Examples in context
- 毎年行きます。I go every year.This sentence is useful for expressing the action of going somewhere using 毎年.Tatoeba #81243 by bunbuku, translation #322472 by CK
- 毎年同じだよ。It's the same every year.This sentence is useful for saying something is the same every year using 毎年.Tatoeba #10531344 by small_snow, translation #6029150 by Huskion
- 毎年、違います。Every year is different.This sentence is useful for stating that every year is different using 毎年.Tatoeba #12453480 by small_snow, translation #7132117 by CM
- 彼らは毎年旅行に行きます。They go on a trip every year.
- 彼のビジネスは年々成長しています。His business is growing every year.
- 毎年毎年同じ遊びをします。We do the same activity every year.
- 64 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a local festival.
- 陽葵 Himari毎年、このお祭りに来ますか？maitoshi, kono omatsuri ni kimasu ka?Do you come to this festival every year?
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、毎年必ず来ます。hai, maitoshi kanarazu kimasu.Yes, I always come every year.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔さんは本当に好きなんですね。Hiroto-san wa hontou ni suki nan desu ne.You really love it, Hiroto.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵さんも一緒にどうですか？Himari-san mo issho ni dou desu ka?Would you like to join me, Himari?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 毎年, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 毎年, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
