ごとに means every; each; at intervals of ~. It is a JLPT N3 grammar pattern used to express that something happens at regular intervals or every time something occurs.
This grammar point often appears in neutral Japanese. If you want to describe recurring or systematically repeated events, ごとに is a useful pattern to learn.
What does ごとに mean?
Use ごとに when you want to express that something happens at regular intervals or every time something occurs.
Natural translations include:
- every time; each; at intervals of ~
- every; each; at intervals of ~
- every time; each; at intervals of
How to form ごとに
Noun + ごとに / Verb dictionary form + ごとに
Examples of the pattern:
- 一時間ごとに
- 会うごとに
- ページごとに
When is ごとに used?
Use ごとに in situations like:
- describing routines
- scheduled events
- recurring actions
Tone and register:
- neutral
- Common in describing routines, test questions, and written narratives
ごとに example sentences
- 一時間ごとに薬を飲む。 \u2014 I take medicine every hour.
- 会うごとに、彼は元気そうだ。 \u2014 Every time we meet, he seems well.
- ページごとにメモを取る。 \u2014 I take notes on every page.
- 駅ごとに電車が止まる。 \u2014 The train stops at every station.
- 雨が降るごとに庭が美しくなる。 \u2014 Every time it rains, the garden becomes more beautiful.
Nuance of ごとに
The key nuance is emphasizes regularity and repetition; stronger than just listing times.
This matters because 〜ごとに creates a rhythm. It is used when you want to stress that something happens systematically, not just occasionally..
For example:
- In describing routines, it sounds natural and specific.
- Compared with たびに, it carries a different weight and implication.
ごとに vs たびに
Both ごとに and たびに can express every, but they are different.
ごとに:
- means every time; emphasizes systematic or regular repetition
たびに:
- means every time; emphasizes emotional or notable repetition
Quick contrast examples:
- 旅行のたびに写真を撮る。 \u2014 Every time I travel, I take photos (emotional).
- 平日ごとにジムに行く。 \u2014 Every weekday, I go to the gym (systematic).
Common mistakes with ごとに
Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using it for one-time events (must be recurring)
- Confusing it with 毎 (まい), which is simpler and less emphatic
- Forgetting that time nouns like 一時間 become 一時間ごとに, not 毎一時間
Is ごとに on the JLPT?
Yes. ごとに is commonly taught as JLPT N3 grammar.
That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences
Practice questions for ごとに
Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Say you check your email every hour.
- Describe a train that stops at every station.
- Say you learn something new every time you meet someone.
Learn ごとに with Kanjiru
If you want to review ごとに together with kanji, vocabulary, and other JLPT N3 patterns, Kanjiru helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions.
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