Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 二回 | nikai | [ɲ̟ika̠i] (narrow) |
| 二度 | nido | [ɲ̟ido̞] (narrow) |
| 二倍 | nibai | [ɲ̟iba̠i] (narrow) |
The translation of "twice" depends on the specific context of your sentence. Use 二回 to count how many times an event or action occurs. Use 二倍 to describe a mathematical ratio or a magnitude that is double the original amount. Finally, use 二度 to mean "two times," though it is also frequently used in negative contexts to mean "never again."
What does it mean word for word?
The word 二回 is composed of 二 (two) and 回 (a counter for occurrences or times). The word 二倍 is composed of 二 (two) and 倍 (fold or multiple).
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on their function: 二回 is used for counting specific occurrences, while 二倍 is used for expressing a magnitude that is twice as much or double. Although 二度 can mean "twice," it is often used in negative expressions to signify that something will not happen again.
How do you pronounce it?
nikai
Did you know?
- If a Japanese speaker says 二度と (nido-to), they are likely signaling a strong, permanent refusal or a vow that an event will never repeat.
- The counter 回 used in 二回 is also the kanji for 'to circle' or 'to revolve', reflecting the idea of a cycle or a turn being completed.
- In Japanese, the word for 'double' 倍 is used in the term 倍速, which refers to the double-speed playback setting on videos and audio.
Examples in context
- 二の二倍は四。Twice two is equal to four.This sentence uses 二倍 to show a mathematical calculation.Tatoeba #123156 by small_snow, translation #280844 by AlanF_US
- 二度確認しました。I checked it twice.This sentence uses 二度 to indicate an action performed two times.Tatoeba #2040907 by bunbuku, translation #1887146 by CK
- 好機は二度訪れない。Opportunity seldom knocks twice.This sentence uses 二度 in a way that implies a frequency of two.Tatoeba #173754 by small_snow, translation #240715 by CK
- Watashi wa ni-do Nihon ni itta koto ga arimasu. (私は２度日本に行ったことがあります。)I have been to Japan twice.
- Kono shigoto wa ni-do yaritai. (この仕事は２度やりたい。)I want to do this job twice.
- Ano raamen o nido tabetai. (あのラーメンを二度食べたい。)I want to eat that ramen twice.
- Sayōnara wa nikai iwareru node, ki o tsukete kudasai. (さようならは二回言われるので、気をつけてください。)Please take care since you will be bid goodbye twice.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki is asking Hiroto how many times he went to the gym.
- 美咲 Misaki今週、ジムに何回行きましたか？konshuu, jimu ni nankai ikimashita ka?How many times did you go to the gym this week?
- 大翔 Hiroto二回行きました。nikai ikimashita.I went twice.
- 美咲 Misakiすごいですね、大翔さんは頑張っていますね。sugoi desu ne, Hiroto-san wa ganbatte imasu ne.That's amazing, Hiroto, you're working hard.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとうございます。arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “twice” translations and entries 二回, 二度, 二倍, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
