～ごとに (every)

• Reading: ごとに
• Romaji: goto ni
• Formation: Noun (time/quantity) + ごとに / Verb (dictionary form) + ごとに

Meaning

Indicates that something takes place regularly at each successive interval of time or space. It expresses recurring patterns or periodic actions.

ごとに attaches to nouns indicating time, quantity, or units to express regular recurrence. 一時間ごとに means 'every hour,' 三メートルごとに means 'every three metres.' It can also follow verbs in dictionary form to express 'each time' — 会うごとに (every time we meet). It differs from おきに, which can sometimes be ambiguous about whether the interval is inclusive or exclusive. ごとに is unambiguous — it always marks each unit. The kanji form 毎 is the on'yomi equivalent seen in words like 毎日 (mainichi).

Examples

1. 二時間ごとに休憩を取ります。 I take a break every two hours.
2. 季節ごとに景色が変わる。 The scenery changes with each season.
3. 会うごとに彼女はきれいになっていく。 Every time I meet her, she looks more beautiful.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, written, everyday

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 三十分ごとにバスが来ます。
• 年ごとに物価が上がっている。
• 試合ごとにチームが強くなった。

Don't Say

• 二時間ごと休憩を取る。(ごと requires the particle に after it) → 二時間ごとに休憩を取る。
• 毎日ごとに運動する。(毎日 already means 'every day' — adding ごとに is redundant) → 毎日運動する。

Origin & History

ごと derives from the noun 毎 (goto), meaning 'each' or 'every,' used with に as a postpositional phrase since classical Japanese.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal