何度も何度も
nando mo nando mo
The English phrase "over and over again" is translated into Japanese as 何度も何度も (nando mo nando mo).
This phrase is often used to express frustration with a repetitive action or to emphasize the persistence and endurance required to do something repeatedly.
Meaning: repeatedly (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the word nando (how many times) followed by the particle mo (even/also), repeated twice for emphasis. Literally, it translates to "many times many times".
Which one should you use?
While 何度も means "many times", repeating it as 何度も何度も adds a layer of emphasis that specifically conveys the sense of "over and over again" or "repeatedly" in a more intense or sometimes frustrated way.
How do you pronounce it?
nando mo nando mo
Did you know?
- In professional settings, if you want to say something is happening 'over and over' without sounding frustrated, you might use the phrase 度重なる (tabikasanaru), which treats the repetitions as layers being piled on top of each other.
- While 何度も何度も emphasizes the act of repeating, Japanese has a specific word 執念 (shūnen) to describe the obsessive persistence or 'tenacity' that often drives someone to do something over and over again.
- To express a repetitive cycle that feels endless or inescapable, Japanese speakers might use the phrase 繰り返して (kurikaeshite), which literally describes 'turning things over' like a rotating wheel.
Examples in context
- 何度も何度も同じことを言わせるなよ。Don't make me say the same thing over and over again!This example shows how to use 何度も何度も when expressing frustration about being forced to repeat a statement.Tatoeba #2673015 by tommy_san, translation #2669232 by Sc1ence
- 何度も何度も打ちのめされても、頑張って続けるなんてすごく偉いよ。It's so admirable how you keep fighting, even when you've been knocked down over and over again.This sentence uses 何度も何度も to highlight the admiration for someone's persistence in the face of repeated setbacks.Tatoeba #10201230 by small_snow, translation #10201100 by DJ_Saidez
- 何度も何度も同じことを聞くな。さっきちゃんと説明しただろ。くどいぞ。Don't ask the same thing over and over again. I explained it properly to you already. It's getting tedious.This example illustrates using 何度も何度も to express that asking the same question repeatedly is becoming tedious.Tatoeba #1130833 by bunbuku, translation #1324187 by Scott
- 彼は繰り返し同じ間違いをします。He repeatedly makes the same mistake.
- 彼女は何度も同じ曲を歌います。She sings the same song over and over again.
- 何度も試験に合格したことがあります。I have passed the exam many times before.
Example conversation
A student is practicing a difficult piano piece for an exam.
- 陽葵 Himari何度も何度も練習したのに、まだ間違えちゃう。Nando mo nando mo renshuu shita no ni, mada machigaechau.Even though I practiced over and over again, I keep making mistakes.
- 蓮 Ren大丈夫だよ。陽葵なら絶対できるよ。Daijoubu da yo. Himari nara zettai dekiru yo.It's okay. You can definitely do it, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとう。蓮くんがそう言ってくれると嬉しい。Arigatou. Ren-kun ga sou itte kureru to ureshii.Thank you. I'm happy when you say that, Ren.
- 蓮 Renあともう少しだよ。頑張ろう！Ato mou sukoshi da yo. Ganbarou!You're almost there. Let's do our best!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
