回

• Reading: かい
• Romaji: kai
• Kanji breakdown: 回 (kai) — revolve, turn; pictograph of a rotating motion
• Pronunciation: /ka.i/

Meaning

Counter for occurrences, times, or rounds. Used to count how many times something happens.

One of the most versatile counters in Japanese, used for any repeated action or event. Counting: 一回 (いっかい), 二回 (にかい), 三回 (さんかい). Also appears in words like 毎回 (まいかい, every time) and 今回 (こんかい, this time). Note the sound change with 一 becoming いっかい.

Examples

1. 日本に三回行きました。 I've been to Japan three times.
2. もう一回言ってください。 Please say it one more time.
3. 毎回遅れるのはよくないです。 Being late every time is not good.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, sports, school

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 回 is a pictograph depicting a circular or revolving motion, suggesting the concept of going around or returning. This circular meaning naturally extended to counting repetitions.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal