# たびに: whenever; every time > Learn how to use たびに, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning whenever; every time, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N3 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n3-tabi-ni/ **たびに** means **whenever; every time**. It is a **JLPT N3** grammar pattern used to **say the same thing happens each time another thing occurs**. This grammar point often appears in **neutral** Japanese. If you want to **say the same thing happens each time another thing occurs**, **たびに** is a useful pattern to learn. ## What does たびに mean? Use **たびに** when you want to **say the same thing happens each time another thing occurs**. Natural translations include: - whenever; every time The best translation depends on the sentence. Try to notice the writer's or speaker's purpose first, then choose the English phrase that fits that context. ## How to form たびに
Verb (dictionary form) + たびに
Noun + の + たびに
Examples of the pattern: - 会あうたびに - 旅りょ行こうのたびに - 見みるたびに The form before the grammar point matters. In JLPT questions, the wrong answer choices often use a similar meaning but attach it to the wrong type of word. ## When is たびに used? Use **たびに** in situations like: - repeated reactions - habits linked to occasions - every time something happens Tone and register: - neutral - Common in JLPT reading, grammar questions, and natural Japanese sentences ## たびに example sentences
彼かれに会あうたびに、元げん気きをもらう。
Every time I meet him, I feel encouraged.
dictionary form
この写しゃ真しんを見みるたびに、旅りょ行こうを思おもい出だす。
Whenever I see this photo, I remember the trip.
dictionary form
旅りょ行こうのたびに、お土みや産げを買かいます。
Every time I travel, I buy souvenirs.
noun + の
試し験けんのたびに緊きん張ちょうする。
I get nervous every time there is an exam.
noun + の
雨あめが降ふるたびに、この道みちは混こむ。
Every time it rains, this road gets crowded.
dictionary form
After reading each sentence, ask what job **たびに** is doing: **say the same thing happens each time another thing occurs**. That makes the nuance easier to remember than a one-word translation. ## Nuance of たびに The key nuance is **repetition: one event reliably triggers another**. This matters because **たびに** does more than translate one English phrase. It shows how the speaker connects ideas, evaluates a situation, or frames the sentence for the listener. For example: - In context, it sounds natural when the surrounding sentence supports the nuance. - Compared with **とき**, it has a different focus and level of formality. ## たびに vs とき Both **たびに** and **とき** can appear in related situations, but they are different.
たびに
whenever; every time
Used for repeated occurrences: one event reliably triggers another every time.
彼かれに会あうたびに、元げん気きをもらう。
Every time I meet him, I feel encouraged.
vs
とき
when; at the time
Used for a specific or general occasion; no inherent repetition is implied.
彼かれに会あうとき、元げん気きをもらう。
When I meet him, I feel encouraged.
If both translations seem possible, check the tone. Is the sentence describing a habit or a single instance? The context often tells you which grammar point is natural. ## Common mistakes with たびに
❌ 昨きのう日彼かれに会あうたびに、話はなした。
✅ 彼かれに会あうたびに、話はなす。
Use たびに for repeated or habitual events, not one-time occurrences.
❌ 旅りょ行こうたびに、お土みや産げを買かいます。
✅ 旅りょ行こうのたびに、お土みや産げを買かいます。
Don't forget の between a noun and たびに.
❌ 雨あめが降ふったたびに、この道みちは混こんだ。
✅ 雨あめが降ふるたびに、この道みちは混こむ。
Use the dictionary form of the verb before たびに, not the past tense.
A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with **たびに**, then rewrite it with **とき**. If the meaning or tone changes, explain that difference in your own words. ## Is たびに on the JLPT?
N3

Yes. たびに is commonly taught as JLPT N3 grammar.

  • Recognize it in reading
  • Understand its nuance in context
  • Use it in simple original sentences

For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions often test whether you understand the surrounding context, not just the dictionary meaning.

## Practice questions for たびに
1 Say you get nervous every exam. repetition
2 Say a photo reminds you of a trip. repetition
3 Say roads crowd every time it rains. repetition
Keep your first sentences simple. Once the structure feels natural, add more context so the nuance becomes clear. ## Learning path for たびに To learn **たびに** efficiently, review the formation first, then compare it with similar patterns, and finally practice in context.
1 First, make sure you can form たびに without looking at the pattern chart.
2 Next, compare it with とき and ずつ. These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance.
3 Finally, write sentences about repeated events, equal amounts, ranges, or intervals; then check whether replacing たびに with 一度に changes the meaning.
## Related grammar to review next - [とき](/blog/n5-toki/) — because it is the closest comparison used in this article. - [ずつ](/blog/n3-zutsu/) — because it also describes distribution, repetition, range, or intervals. - [一度に（いちどに）](/blog/n3-ichido-ni/) — because it also describes distribution, repetition, range, or intervals. - [ごとに](/blog/n3-goto-ni/) — because it also describes distribution, repetition, range, or intervals. ## Learn たびに with Hane If you want to review **たびに** 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/)