Grammar JLPT Level N4 - Lesson 6
Structure of に (Frequency):
Timeframe + に + Number of Times
Details about に (Frequency):
When the case marking particle に is used, sometimes it has the nuance of 'frequency'. This means that it can be utilized to describe how often something happens/is done. In this grammatical construction, the 'time frame' is followed by に, then followed by the number of times that you would like to say that something happens.
In this way, に keeps its regular nuance of being a 'goal', or 'destination', within which something else takes place.
In this way, に keeps its regular nuance of being a 'goal', or 'destination', within which something else takes place.
- 私は一ヶ月に一回友達と遊園地に行く。I go to the amusement park with my friend every month. (One time per month)
- 彼は一週間に2回しか歯を磨かないから、口が臭い。Because he only brushes his teeth twice every week, his mouth stinks.
に (Frequency)
Usage Notes for に (Frequency):
This use of に should not be confused with で in relation to time. When で is used for 'time', it is expressing the amount of time that is required to do something, or how much time something is expected to take. It is not used for frequency.
- 2年間で50万円も貯めた。In two years, I saved up ¥500,000. (Natural Japanese, as this expresses the amount of time that something took)
Synonyms for に (Frequency):
ごとに
Each, Every
おきに
Repeated at intervals, Every other, Every, At intervals of
Example of に (Frequency)
一年に三回ぐらい海外旅行に行く。
I take trips abroad about three times in a year.
一日に六時間は寝る必要がある。
It is necessary to sleep for six hours every day.
一時間に十本の電車がある。
There are ten trains every hour.
公務員は一年に一回ボーナスをもらう。
Public servants get a bonus every year. (Once each year) (Frequency)
彼はタバコを1日に40本ぐらい吸う。
He smokes about 40 cigarettes every day. (40 each day)
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