Learning how to express “once a week” in Japanese is essential if you want to effectively communicate your desired frequency. Whether you are planning schedules, discussing habits, or making appointments, using the right words and phrases will help you convey your message accurately. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways of expressing “once a week” in Japanese and provide you with tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When it comes to formal situations, it’s crucial to choose appropriate language and expressions. Here are some formal ways to express “once a week” in Japanese:
1. Ikko shūkan (一個週間)
This is a straightforward and commonly used formal expression for “once a week.” It conveys the meaning accurately and is clear to understand. For example:
Watashi wa ikko shūkan eikoku ni ikimasu. (私は一個週間英国に行きます。)
I go to England once a week.
Note: Replace “eikoku” with the desired destination or activity in your sentence.
Informal Expressions
When conversing with friends, family, or in casual settings, you can use more relaxed and informal language. Let’s explore some informal ways to express “once a week” in Japanese:
1. Ichido ikkagetsu (一度一ヶ月)
This is a commonly used informal phrase that directly translates to “once a month.” However, depending on the context, it can also be understood as “once a week.” Here’s an example:
Kono resutoran wa ichido ikkagetsu (or shūkan) iku. (このレストランは一度一ヶ月(週間)行く。)
I go to this restaurant once a week.
In informal settings, interchangeably using “ikkagetsu” or “shūkan” after “ichido” is generally acceptable.
2. Isshūkan ni ichido (一週間に一度)
Slightly more formal than the previous expression, “isshūkan ni ichido” literally means “once in a week.” It can be used in casual conversations and provides a clear understanding of frequency. Consider the following example:
Kafē ni wa isshūkan ni ichido iku. (カフェには一週間に一度行く。)
I go to a café once a week.
Tips and Additional Examples
- Using numerical counters: You can add numerical counters to indicate frequency, e.g., “一回” (ikka, once) or “一度” (ichido, once). Some examples include:
- Ichido isshūkan (一度一週間): Once a week
- Nikai ikkagetsu (二回一ヶ月): Twice a month
- Sanben ichinen (三本一年): Three times a year
- Regional variations: Japanese has regional variations, and some expressions may differ. While the above expressions are widely understood, you might encounter variations in local dialects. It’s advisable to stick to common expressions to ensure clear communication.
Additional examples:
- Watashi wa isshūkan ni ichido yoga o shimasu. (私は一週間に一度ヨガをします。)
I do yoga once a week. - Kono TV shō wa isshūkan ni ichido katte imasu. (このテレビ番組は一週間に一度買っています。)
I buy this TV show once a week. - Shūchi no hi wa isshūkan ni ichido tabako o suiari shimasu. (祝日は一週間に一度たばこを吸いありします。)
I smoke cigarettes once a week during holidays.
Remember, practice makes perfect, and incorporating these phrases into your daily conversations will help you become more fluent in Japanese. Keep in mind the appropriate levels of formality, and adjust your language accordingly based on the situation and the person you’re speaking with.
