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年ごとに開催されます。
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をしましょう。
Let’s practice in groups.
⇒ This means “in each group.”
If you’d like to know the difference
between “ごと” and “おき,”
please read the article below.
〜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]
この写真を見るたびに子供のころを思い出します。
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]
休みのたびに家族と公園へ行っています。
Every time I have a day off, I go to the park with my family.
この選手はまだ若いですが、オリンピックのたびに注目されています。
This athlete is still young, but they receive attention every time the Olympics are held.
地震のたびにもうこの町から引っ越そうか考えています。
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]
このイベントを開くごとにお客さんが増えていっています。
Every time we hold this event, the number of attendees increases.
⇒ As the event is held repeatedly, the number of attendees increases.
彼はお酒を飲むごとに陽気になっていきます。
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 行く (to go), 来る (to come), 見る (to see), 会う (to meet), 帰る (to return), 話す (to talk), or 食べる (to eat), it’s common to see expressions of feelings like admiration or resignation from the speaker.
[Examples]
彼に会うたびに好きになっていきます。
Every time I see him, I like him more.
息子さんはいつもやさしいですね。会うたびに感心します。
Your son is always kind. Every time I see him, I’m impressed.
山田君は何も手伝ってくれないので、一緒に仕事するたびに疲れてしまいます。
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.
A. ごとに
テストは3か月ごとにあります。
The test is held every three months.
*Since a time unit is being used, “ごとに” is correct.
A. たびに
台風のたびに電車が止まります。
Every time there’s a typhoon, the trains stop.
*Since it’s an irregular event (typhoon), “たびに” is correct.
A. ごとに
飛行機が上へあがるごとに空気がうすくなる。
The higher the plane goes, the thinner the air becomes.
*”ごとに” is appropriate here because it’s an objective event, referring to the repeated ascent of the plane.
A. たびに
高校の友だちと話すたびになつかしい気持ちになる。
Every time I talk to my high school friends, I feel nostalgic.
*Since the sentence involves a subjective emotion like “nostalgia,” “たびに” is correct.