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
How to form たびに
Examples of the pattern:
- 会うたびに
- 旅行のたびに
- 見るたびに
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
After reading each sentence, ask what job たびに is doing: say the same thing happens each time another thing occurs.
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.
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
A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with たびに, then rewrite it with とき.
Is たびに on the JLPT?
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
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.
Related grammar to review next
- とき — when; at the time.
- ずつ — because it also describes distribution, repetition, range, or intervals.
- 一度に（いちどに） — because it also describes distribution, repetition, range, or intervals.
- ごとに — 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:
FAQ about たびに
What does たびに (tabi ni) mean in Japanese?
たびに (tabi ni) means “whenever; every time”. It is JLPT N3 grammar. Use たびに when you want to say the same thing happens each time another thing occurs.
How do you form たびに (tabi ni)?
Verb (dictionary form) + たびに Noun + の + たびに
What is the difference between たびに and とき?
たびに: whenever; every time. とき: when; at the time.
What is an example sentence with たびに (tabi ni)?
彼に会うたびに、元気をもらう。 — Every time I meet him, I feel encouraged.