JLPT N4・N5 Vocabulary – Difference between the counter “回” and “度”
Table of Contents
1. Counter “回” and “度”
2. “回” VS “度 “
3. How to Use ”回”
4. How to Use ”度”
5. 何回 VS 何度
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Comments
Q: Do “一回” and “一度” mean the same thing?
A: ”回” and ”度” are counters used to count the number of times an experience or event occurs.
In many cases, their meanings are almost the same. However, there are differences in usage and nuance, and depending on the context, one may sound unnatural.
Let’s take a closer look at how they are used differently.
“回” VS “度 “
In the following situations, when stating the number of times an experience or event occurred, both can be used.
[Examples]
山田さんは先週、二回遅刻しました。
山田さんは先週、二度遅刻しました。
Mr. Yamada was late twice last week.
西田様には一回お会いしたことがあります。
西田様には一度お会いしたことがあります。
I have met Mr. Nishida once.
However, in slightly more formal situations or in polite expressions, ”度” tends to be used more frequently.
How to Use ”回” (JLPT N5)
① Can Be Used for Both Small and Large Numbers
”回” has no restriction on the number of times. It can be used for 1 time or even 100 times.
On the other hand, ”度” is generally used for a small number of times (about 1 to 3 in most cases).
[Example]
〇 ディズニーワールドに10回行ったことがあります。
× ディズニーワールドに10度行ったことがあります。
I have been to Disney World ten times.
② Repeated Actions
”回” is used for actions that are performed repeatedly, regularly, or in a repetitive manner.
[Examples]
山田さんは奥さんに5回プロポーズしたらしいです。
I heard that Mr. Yamada proposed to his wife five times.
6回呼んでも母は気が付きませんでした。
Even though I called my mother six times, she didn’t notice.
③ When Used with Prefixes
When used together with prefixes such as ”第”, ”全”, or ”計”, only ”回” can be used.
[Examples]
第100回目の卒業式をはじめます。
We are starting the 100th graduation ceremony.
これは全12回のドラマです。
This is a drama series with a total of 12 episodes.
山田さんは、計10回遅刻しています。
Mr. Yamada has been late a total of 10 times.
How to Use ”度” (JLPT N4)
After reading this, you might think that using only ”回” is enough.
However, ”度” can convey the speaker’s feelings.
The key nuance is:
“I hope the same thing will not happen again.”
“It is not originally expected to be repeated.”
[Examples]
姉の離婚はこれで3度目です。
This is my sister’s third divorce.
⇒ It suggests a feeling that the speaker hopes it will not happen again.
あの人には2度と会えないかもしれません。
I might never see that person again.
⇒ ”二度と” is a strong expression meaning “not even one more time” or “never again.”
何回 vs 何度
[何回]
Used when asking about the number of times something was repeated within a certain period of time.
[Examples]
20代のときは何回も東京へ行きました。
I went to Tokyo many times in my twenties.
⇒ It expresses repeated visits to Tokyo during the period of my twenties.
父に何回電話をしても出ません。
No matter how many times I call my father, he doesn’t answer.
⇒ It shows repeated phone calls within a certain span of time.
[何度]
Used when the number of times cannot be clearly counted, or when the emphasis is on the feeling of “as many times as necessary” rather than the exact number.
[Examples]
何度でもチャレンジするつもりです。
I intend to try as many times as necessary.
⇒ “Trying” is not something that is clearly counted.
きっと何度言ってもわたしの気持ちは伝わらないでしょう。
No matter how many times I say it, my feelings probably won’t get across.
⇒ The number of times or the time span is not clearly defined.
Summary
[回]
- Can be used without any limitation on the number of times.
- Used for repeated or recurring actions.
- Can be used together with ”第”, ”全”, and ”計”.
- ”何回” is used for countable actions repeated within a certain period of time.
[度]
- Mainly used for a small number of times.
- Often used when repetition is not originally expected.
- May convey the speaker’s emotions or evaluation.
- ”何度” emphasizes the nuance of “as many times as necessary” rather than the exact number of times.
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.回
東京には8回行ったことがあるよ。
I have been to Tokyo eight times.
*The number 8 is large, so ‘回‘ is the correct answer.
A. 度
3度目の失敗は許されません。
A third failure is not acceptable.
*Since ‘not allowed’ implies that the speaker does not want to repeat the failure, ‘度‘ is more appropriate.
A. 何回
子どものときは何回も、母と遊園地へ行きました。
When I was a child, I went to the amusement park many times with my mother.
*Since it refers to a specific time during childhood and the act of going is countable, ‘何回‘ is suitable.
A. 何度
失敗しても何度もやってみると、きっとうまくいきますよ。
If you keep trying despite failures, it will surely work out.
*Since ‘trying’ cannot be clearly counted, ‘何度‘ is more appropriate.
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