JLPT N3 Grammar – Difference between “〜ごとに” and “〜たびに”

Table of Contents

1. Difference between “〜ごとに” and “〜たびに”
2. ごとに
3. たびに
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment

Q: What is the difference between “〜ごとに” and “〜たびに”?

A: These two are used to describe repeated actions. While there is generally no significant difference in meaning, they can sometimes sound unnatural depending on the context. Let’s learn the key points so you can use them naturally.

〜ごとに (JLPT N3)

[Meanings]
① Once every ~
② Each, respectively

[Rule]
[V] Verb dictionary form＋ごとに
[N] Noun＋ごとに

[Unit＋ごとに]

When used with units that represent time or distance, “ごとに” is always used.

[Examples]
コンビニが500mごとにあります。
There is a convenience store every 500 meters.

オリンピックは4年ねんごとに開催かいさいされます。
The Olympics are held every four years.

[Noun＋ごとに]

When used with words representing a group or collective, such as “company” or “country,” it carries the same meaning as “each.”

[Examples]
クラスごとにアンケートを書かいてもらいました。
I had each class fill out a questionnaire.
⇒　This means “each class.”

グループごとに練習れんしゅうをしましょう。
Let’s practice in groups.
⇒ This means “in each group.”

〜たびに (JLPT N3)

[Meaning]
Every time something happens, the same thing occurs each time

[Rule]
[V] Verb dictionary form＋たびに
[N] Noun＋の＋たびに

[Examples]
この写真しゃしんを見みるたびに子供こどものころを思おもい出だします。
Every time I look at this photo, I remember my childhood.

[Noun＋の＋たびに]

When used with words like “holiday” or “natural disaster,” it describes something that happens either regularly or irregularly.

[Examples]
休やすみのたびに家族かぞくと公園こうえんへ行いっています。
Every time I have a day off, I go to the park with my family.

この選手せんしゅはまだ若わかいですが、オリンピックのたびに注目ちゅうもくされています。
This athlete is still young, but they receive attention every time the Olympics are held.

地震じしんのたびにもうこの町まちから引っ越ひ　こそうか考かんがえています。
Every time there is an earthquake, I think about moving away from this town.

Let’s Compare

[ごとに]

“ごとに” is often used when something happens or changes at specific intervals or units.
It expresses an objective nuance.

[Examples]
このイベントを開ひらくごとにお客きゃくさんが増ふえていっています。
Every time we hold this event, the number of attendees increases.
⇒ As the event is held repeatedly, the number of attendees increases.
　　　　
彼かれはお酒さけを飲のむごとに陽気ようきになっていきます。
Every time he drinks alcohol, he becomes more cheerful.
⇒ He becomes more cheerful as he drinks repeatedly.

---

[たびに]

“たびに” is used when something always happens whenever a particular event occurs, even though it may not be a regular occurrence. It carries a subjective nuance, and the sentence often contains words that express the speaker’s emotions.
Therefore, after verbs such as 行いく (to go), 来くる (to come), 見みる (to see), 会あう (to meet), 帰かえる (to return), 話はなす (to talk), or 食たべる (to eat), it’s common to see expressions of feelings like admiration or resignation from the speaker.

[Examples]
彼かれに会あうたびに好すきになっていきます。
Every time I see him, I like him more.

息子むすこさんはいつもやさしいですね。会あうたびに感心かんしんします。
Your son is always kind. Every time I see him, I’m impressed.

山田やまだ君くんは何なにも手伝てつだってくれないので、一緒いっしょに仕事しごとするたびに疲つかれてしまいます。
Yamada never helps, so every time we work together, I get exhausted.

Summary

[ごとに]

• It is used with words that represent units or a single group.
• It expresses something that occurs or changes at specific intervals or units, in an objective manner.

[たびに]

• It is used with words that describe things that occur regularly or irregularly.
• Even though it’s not something that happens regularly, it’s used when something always happens whenever a particular event occurs.
• In the following sentence, words that express the speaker’s emotions are often used, allowing for subjective expression.

Quiz

Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.

Click on the question to check the answer.

---

---