JLPT N2・N3 Grammar – Difference between “〜たびに” and “〜につけ”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “〜たびに” and “〜につけ”
2. 〜たびに
3. 〜につけ
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment
Q: Do “〜たびに” and “〜につけ” have the same meaning?
A: Both expressions mean “Whenever something happens, ~ always follows,” but they differ in how they are used. Each has its own characteristics in terms of suitable contexts and how much emotion is conveyed. It’s important to use them appropriately depending on the situation.
～たびに (JLPT N3)
[Meaning]
・Every time a certain action is performed, the same thing is repeated
・Every time a certain event occurs, the same action or phenomenon happens
[Rule]
[V] Verb dictionary form + たび（に）
[N] Noun of a する verb + の + たび（に）
[Examples]
家が古いので台風が来るたびに避難しています。
Because the house is old, we evacuate every time a typhoon comes.
父は旅行するたびに、おみやげを買って帰ってきます。
Every time my father travels, he buys souvenirs and brings them back.
会議のたびに、社員たちは激しい議論を交わします。
At every meeting, the employees engage in heated discussions.
“〜たびに” is used to express the idea that “every time something happens, the same action or phenomenon occurs.”
The key point is that it applies to repeated events or actions.
[Examples]
彼女は写真を撮るたびに、同じポーズを取ります。
She strikes the same pose every time she takes a photo.
⇒ Every time she takes a photo, she does the same pose. (repeated action)
何度も聞いたのに、その話を聞くたびに笑ってしまいます。
Even though I’ve heard it many times, I can’t help but laugh every time I hear that story.
⇒ Whenever I hear the story, I end up laughing. (repeated reaction)
～につけ (JLPT N2)
[Meaning]
In certain situations, a particular feeling naturally arises
[Rule]
[V] Verb dictionary form + につけ（て）
[Examples]
昔の写真を見るにつけ、あの楽しかった時間を思い出します。
Whenever I look at old photos, I remember those happy times.
母の手紙を読むにつけ、涙が出てきます。
Whenever I read my mother’s letters, I can’t help but cry.
彼らの頑張る姿を見るにつけて、自分ももっと努力しなければと思います。
Whenever I see them working hard, I feel that I must try harder too.
“〜につけ” is used to express the idea that when one is exposed to a certain situation, emotions or memories naturally come back.
The key point is that emotions or memories surface spontaneously and unconsciously.
It is often used in situations where the heart reacts emotionally to a particular event or thing.
[Examples]
昔の写真を見るにつけ、あの楽しかった時間を思い出します。
Whenever I look at old photos, I remember those happy times.
⇒ When I see the photos, those moments naturally come back to me.
卒業式で先生が言った言葉を思い出すにつけ、涙があふれます。
Whenever I recall the words my teacher said at the graduation ceremony, I’m filled with tears.
⇒ Every time I remember the teacher’s words, tears come to my eyes. (repeated emotional reaction)
[Set Expressions]
・何かにつけ
・何事につけ
*These are fixed expressions using “〜につけ” that mean “in any case” or “whenever something happens.” Unlike the standard usage of “〜につけ,” these expressions can be followed by phrases showing intention (e.g., “want to,” “let’s”).
[Examples]
彼は何かにつけ、人の悪口を言いたがります。
He always finds some reason to speak badly about others.
⇒ In any situation, he quickly tries to criticize people.
何事につけ、冷静な判断が大切です。
In all matters, making calm and rational decisions is important.
⇒ No matter what the situation, it is important to stay calm and think clearly.
Let’s Compare
Which expression is more appropriate in the following cases?
① この音楽を聴くたびに、昔の恋人を思い出します。
② この音楽を聴くにつけ、昔の恋人を思い出します。
In this case, since it describes a situation where memories naturally resurface, ② “〜につけ” is more appropriate.
“〜につけ” is strongly tied to emotions and memories, and has a somewhat poetic and literary tone.
On the other hand, ① “〜たびに” is more colloquial, and focuses on repeated facts or events. It simply states that one thing happens every time another does, without necessarily conveying emotional depth.
Now, let’s consider the following case:
① 神社に行くたびに、お守りを買っています。
② 神社に行くにつけ、お守りを買っています。
The correct answer is ①. This describes a repeated, concrete action, not an emotional or memory-triggering situation. Therefore, “〜につけ” is not suitable here.
In summary, “〜につけ” is used only in limited contexts—primarily when emotions or memories naturally resurface. For routine or repeated actions in daily life, “〜たびに” is more appropriate.
Summary
| Meaning | Style | Point | |
| 〜たびに | ・Every time a certain event occurs, the same action or phenomenon happens repeatedly. ・Every time a certain action is performed, the same thing is repeated. | Colloquial | ・Repeated actions or events ・Focuses on facts rather than emotions |
| 〜につけ | ・In certain situations, a particular feeling naturally arises. | Literary style (formal, poetic) | ・A natural resurgence of emotions or feelings ・Used to describe things related to memory and emotion |
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. につけ
この写真を見るにつけ、懐かしい気持ちになります。
Whenever I see this photo, I feel nostalgic.
*Since looking at the photo naturally brings back memories, the emotion-focused expression “〜につけ” is appropriate here.
A. たびに
ミスをするたびに、部長にしかられます。
Every time I make a mistake, my boss scolds me.
*Because I always get scolded whenever I make a mistake, which is a repeated event, “〜たびに” is the natural choice.
A. につけ
子どもの成長を見るにつけ、
He always complains about something or other.
*This is an example of the fixed expression “何かにつけ.”
A. たびに
海外旅行するたびに、お腹をこわします。
Every time I travel abroad, I get an upset stomach.
*Since getting sick happens every time I travel, which is a repeated fact, “〜たびに” is appropriate here.
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