年に一度
nen ni ichido
The English phrase "once a year" is translated into Japanese as 年に一度 (nen ni ichido).
Used to describe something that happens one time every year.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 年に一度 is composed of 年 (year), the particle に indicating time/target and 一度 (one time).
How does it change in a sentence?
You can modify the phrase to change its nuance. Adding the particle は to the end, resulting in 年に一度は, can emphasize the frequency or imply "at least once a year". If you use 年に一度しか followed by a negative verb, it expresses that something happens "only" once a year.
How do you pronounce it?
nen ni ichido
Did you know?
- The phrase 年に一度 is famously linked to the Tanabata festival. This celebration centers on the legend of two celestial lovers who are permitted to meet only once a year, turning a simple frequency into a romantic seasonal milestone.
- The character 度 (do) used in 一度 is the same character used to express 'degrees' in temperature or geometry. This means that in Japanese, the concept of an 'occurrence' is linguistically built from the same root as a 'measurement'.
- If a Japanese speaker uses the word 恒例 instead of 年に一度, they are signaling that the annual event is a cherished tradition rather than just a calendar date.
Examples in context
- 一年に一度やってるよ。I do it once a year.This sentence shows the use of 年に一度 to describe a regular annual activity.Tatoeba #10138297 by small_snow, translation #5791308 by CK
- クリスマスは年に一度しか来ない。Christmas comes but once a year.This sentence demonstrates how adding しか creates the meaning "only once a year".Tatoeba #2435147 by tommy_san, translation #2143534 by freddy1
- 私は一年に一度、身体検査を受けている。I get a physical examination once a year.This sentence uses 一年に一度 to describe the frequency of a physical examination.Tatoeba #1055837 by bunbuku, translation #259886 by CK
- 一年に一度の大事なイベントThe important annual event
- 私たちは一年に一度総会を開催します。We hold an annual general meeting once a year.
- そのお祭りは年に一回開催されます。The festival is held once a year.
- 毎年一回家族で旅行に行くんだ。We go on a family trip once a year.
- 彼とは一年に一度しか会わない。I only meet him once a year.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their hobbies.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太君は、年に一度、何か特別なことをしてる？Youta-kun wa, nen ni ichido, nanika tokubetsu na koto o shiteru?Youta, do you do something special once a year?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、年に一度、キャンプに行くよ。Un, nen ni ichido, kyanpu ni iku yo.Yeah, I go camping once a year.
- 陽葵 Himariいいなあ。私も行ってみたいな。Ii naa. Watashi mo itte mitai na.That sounds nice. I want to try going too.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵ちゃんも、今度一緒に行こうよ。Himari-chan mo, kondo issho ni ikou yo.Himari, let's go together next time.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
