月に1回
tsuki ni ikkai
The English phrase "once a month" is translated into Japanese as 月に1回 (tsuki ni ikkai).
This phrase is used to describe an event that happens one time every month.
Which one should you use?
For a more formal or literary tone, you can use 月に一度. In casual settings, the shortened version 月一回 is often used.
How do you pronounce it?
tsuki ni ikkai
Did you know?
- The word 月 ('tsuki') in 月に1回 can refer to both the 'month' and the 'moon'. In ancient Japanese, the calendar was based on the lunar cycle, so the two meanings are fundamentally the same.
- The particle に ('ni') in 月に1回 doesn't just mark time but acts as a proportion marker, similar to how it is used in 'three people per room'.
- The counter 回 ('kai') used in 月に1回 is derived from the character for 'time' or 'rotation'. It literally envisions a cycle turning once to complete the event.
Examples in context
- 私は毎月一回、図書館に行きます。I go to the library once a month.
- 毎月一回、レポートを提出しなければなりません。I must submit a report once a month.
- 会議は月に一度開かれます。The meeting is held once a month.
- 友達と一ヶ月に一回ランチに行く。I go to lunch with my friends once a month.
- 月に1回、映画を見ます。Tsuki ni ikkai, eiga o mimasu.I watch a movie once a month.
- 月に1回、美容院に行きます。Tsuki ni ikkai, bijouin ni ikimasu.I go to the hair salon once a month.
- 月に1回、友達と会います。Tsuki ni ikkai, tomodachi to aimasu.I meet my friends once a month.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their hobbies over coffee.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さんは、月に1回、旅行をしますか？Kenta-san wa, tsuki ni ikkai, ryokou o shimasu ka?Kenta, do you travel once a month?
- 健太 Kentaいいえ、月に1回も行きません。Iie, tsuki ni ikkai mo ikimasen.No, I don't even go once a month.
- 美咲 Misakiそうですか。少し残念ですね。Sou desu ka. Sukoshi zannen desu ne.I see. That's a little too bad.
- 健太 Kentaでも、月に1回は必ず出かけます。Demo, tsuki ni ikkai wa kanarazu dekakemasu.But I definitely go out once a month.
