繰り返す
kurikaesu[kɯ̟ɾʲika̠e̞sɨ]
To repeat in Japanese is 繰り返す (kurikaesu). Wiktionary also lists リピートする (ripīto suru).
Meaning: do or say again (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 繰り返す | kurikaesu | [kɯ̟ɾʲika̠e̞sɨ] (narrow) |
| リピートする | ripīto suru |
繰り返す is used when describing a repetitive process, such as a cycle of nature or a recurring error.
Which one should you use?
リピートする is a loanword from English used more casually, often specifically in the context of repeating music, media or a specific task in a digital setting.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past tense of 繰り返す is 繰り返した, and the negative form is 繰り返さない.
How do you pronounce it?
kurikaesu
Did you know?
- The verb 繰り返す carries the imagery of winding a thread or reeling in a fishing line. It combines the action of 'winding' with 'returning' to describe something coming back around.
- Japanese distinguishes between 繰り返す (to repeat an action) and 復唱する (fukushō suru), which specifically means to repeat an order or a phrase back to a speaker for confirmation.
- While 繰り返す is used for cycles and patterns, you would rarely use it to ask someone to repeat a spoken word. To ask someone to say something again, Japanese speakers typically use もう一度お願いします instead.
Examples in context
- 直前に行った操作を繰り返すRepeat the previous operationThis sentence demonstrates how to use 繰り返す regarding a previous operation.
- 同じ間違いを繰り返す。Onaji machigai o kurikaesu.To repeat the same mistake.
- テストのために練習を繰り返す。Tesuto no tame ni renshuu o kurikaesu.To repeat practice for a test.
Example conversation
Misaki and Yota are discussing a piece of music.
- 美咲 Misakiこのフレーズをもう一度繰り返す？Kono fureezu o mou ichido kurikaesu?Shall we repeat this phrase once more?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、何度でも繰り返すよ。Un, nando demo kurikaesu yo.Yeah, I will repeat it as many times as needed.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太君は練習が熱心だね。Youta-kun wa renshuu ga nesshin dane.You are very enthusiastic about practicing, Yota.
- 陽太 Yota上手になりたいからね。Jouzu ni naritai kara ne.Because I want to get better.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “repeat” translations and entries 繰り返す, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 繰り返す, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
