度

• Reading: たび
• Romaji: tabi
• Kanji breakdown: 度 (tabi/do) — 广 (building) + 又 (hand); measure, degree, time
• Pronunciation: /ta.bi/

Meaning

Time; occasion (as in 'each time' or 'every time'). Used to refer to individual occurrences.

When read as たび, it refers to an occasion or instance, often paired with patterns like この度 (このたび, this time/occasion) and その度に (そのたびに, each time that happens). Distinct from the ど reading used for degrees (温度) and the counter 〜度 (さんど, three times). The たび reading carries a slightly more formal or literary tone.

Examples

1. この度は本当にありがとうございます。 Thank you very much for this occasion.
2. 会うたびに元気になります。 Every time we meet, I feel energized.
3. 旅行のたびにおみやげを買います。 I buy souvenirs every time I travel.

Usage Guide

Context: formal speech, letters, polite conversation

Tone: polite

Origin & History

The kanji 度 originally depicted a hand measuring with a rule or standard, meaning 'measure' or 'degree.' The concept of measurement extended to measuring occurrences or instances.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal