# ごとに: every time; each; at intervals of ~

> Learn how to use ごとに, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning every time; each; at intervals of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N3 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n3-goto-ni/

**ごとに** means **every; each; at intervals of ~**. It is a **JLPT N3** grammar pattern used to **express that something happens at regular intervals or every time something occurs**.

This grammar point often appears in **neutral** Japanese. If you want to **describe recurring or systematically repeated events**, **ごとに** is a useful pattern to learn.

## What does ごとに mean?

Use **ごとに** when you want to **express that something happens at regular intervals or every time something occurs**.

Natural translations include:
- every time; each; at intervals of ~
- every; each; at intervals of ~
- every time; each; at intervals of

## How to form ごとに

Noun + ごとに / Verb dictionary form + ごとに

Examples of the pattern:
- 一時間ごとに
- 会うごとに
- ページごとに

## When is ごとに used?

Use **ごとに** in situations like:
- describing routines
- scheduled events
- recurring actions

Tone and register:
- neutral
- Common in describing routines, test questions, and written narratives

## ごとに example sentences

- 一時間ごとに薬を飲む。 — I take medicine every hour.
- 会うごとに、彼は元気そうだ。 — Every time we meet, he seems well.
- ページごとにメモを取る。 — I take notes on every page.
- 駅ごとに電車が止まる。 — The train stops at every station.
- 雨が降るごとに庭が美しくなる。 — Every time it rains, the garden becomes more beautiful.

## Nuance of ごとに

The key nuance is **emphasizes regularity and repetition; stronger than just listing times**.

This matters because **〜ごとに creates a rhythm. It is used when you want to stress that something happens systematically, not just occasionally.**.

For example:
- In describing routines, it sounds natural and specific.
- Compared with **[たびに](/blog/n3-tabi-ni/)**, it carries a different weight and implication.

## ごとに vs たびに

Both **ごとに** and **[たびに](/blog/n3-tabi-ni/)** can express **every**, but they are different.

**ごとに**:
- means every time; emphasizes systematic or regular repetition

**[たびに](/blog/n3-tabi-ni/)**:
- means every time; emphasizes emotional or notable repetition

Quick contrast examples:
- 旅行のたびに写真を撮る。 — Every time I travel, I take photos (emotional).
- 平日ごとにジムに行く。 — Every weekday, I go to the gym (systematic).

## Common mistakes with ごとに

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using it for one-time events (must be recurring)
- Confusing it with 毎 (まい), which is simpler and less emphatic
- Forgetting that time nouns like 一時間 become 一時間ごとに, not 毎一時間

## Is ごとに on the JLPT?

Yes. **ごとに** is commonly taught as **JLPT N3** grammar.

That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences

## Practice questions for ごとに

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Say you check your email every hour.
- Describe a train that stops at every station.
- Say you learn something new every time you meet someone.

## Learning path for ごとに

To learn **ごとに** efficiently, review the formation first, then compare it with the closest existing grammar points before writing your own sentences.

1. First, make sure you can form **ごとに** without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with [たびに](/blog/n3-tabi-ni/). Choosing between systematic and emotional repetition helps you understand the nuance.
3. Then, contrast **ごとに** with [ずつ](/blog/n3-zutsu/) and [一度に](/blog/n3-ichido-ni/) to clarify intervals versus fixed amounts or simultaneous action.
4. Finally, write sentences where **ごとに** is necessary; then check whether replacing it with **たびに** changes the meaning.

## Related grammar to review next

- [たびに](/blog/n3-tabi-ni/) — because it is the closest comparison for "every time" with an emotional or notable nuance.
- [ずつ](/blog/n3-zutsu/) — because it also describes distribution and fixed amounts per interval.
- [一度に（いちどに）](/blog/n3-ichido-ni/) — because it contrasts with intervals by describing simultaneous action.
- [中（ちゅう / じゅう）](/blog/n3-chuu-juu/) — because it also describes scope and duration across a range.

## Learn ごとに with Hane

If you want to review **ごとに** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:
- [All grammar lessons](/blog/)
- [JLPT N3 grammar lessons](/blog/n3/)