毎月運動する
ja phrase 02392
every month exercise
Literally: Every month (毎月) + exercise (運動) + do (する)
In 15 Seconds
- Means exercising on a monthly basis as a habit.
- Use 'shimasu' instead of 'suru' for polite situations.
- Perfect for health goals and casual lifestyle chats.
Meaning
This phrase is a simple way to say you make physical activity a habit at least once every month. It’s like telling a friend you're trying to stay active without being a gym rat.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking to a doctor during a check-up
健康のために、毎月運動するようにしています。
I try to exercise every month for my health.
Chatting with a friend about hobbies
最近は忙しいけど、毎月運動するよ。
I'm busy lately, but I do exercise every month.
Texting a workout buddy
今月も毎月運動する目標、達成した!
I hit my goal of exercising every month again this month!
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Radio Taiso' is a form of 'undō' that many Japanese people do. Even if it's just once a month, participating in community exercise is seen as a positive social trait. With the rise of 24-hour gyms like Anytime Fitness in Tokyo, 'maigetsu undō suru' is becoming a common phrase for busy salarymen who can only find time once in a while. Health longevity (Kenkō Jumyō) is a major topic. Seniors often use this phrase to describe their walking groups or gateball sessions. Students have 'Undō-kai' (Sports Day). While the event is annual, the preparation might be described as 'maigetsu' in the lead-up.
Use ~te imasu
To sound more like a native speaker when talking about your habit, say '{運動|うんどう}しています' instead of just '{運動|うんどう}します.'
Maitsuki vs Maigetsu
Don't worry about the difference too much. 'Maitsuki' sounds a bit more 'everyday' and 'Maigetsu' sounds a bit more 'scheduled.' Both are fine!
In 15 Seconds
- Means exercising on a monthly basis as a habit.
- Use 'shimasu' instead of 'suru' for polite situations.
- Perfect for health goals and casual lifestyle chats.
What It Means
This phrase is your go-to for discussing basic health habits. It means you are physically active at least once every month. It doesn't mean you're a marathon runner. It just means you aren't sitting still all year. Think of it as a low-pressure fitness goal. It’s a great way to start a conversation about hobbies.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase just as it is. It acts like a simple statement of fact. If you want to be polite, change する to します. You can put it at the end of a sentence. For example, tell your doctor 毎月運動します. Or tell a friend 毎月運動するよ. The よ adds a friendly, informative touch. It’s very flexible and easy to remember.
When To Use It
Use this during a casual chat about your lifestyle. It’s perfect for when someone asks about your hobbies. You might use it when signing up for a gym. It also works well in a health diary or app. If you are making a New Year's resolution, say this. It sounds realistic and achievable for most people. Your friends will appreciate your honesty about your pace.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this if you exercise every single day. In that case, use 毎日 instead of 毎月. Also, avoid it for one-time events like a marathon. This phrase implies a repeated, monthly rhythm. If you only walked once last year, don't use it. Your Japanese friends might think you're joking. It’s for habits, not random accidents of movement.
Cultural Background
Japan takes health very seriously, especially as people get older. You will see many seniors walking in parks every morning. There is a concept called Metabo (metabolic syndrome) that people avoid. Companies often encourage employees to stay active. Exercising isn't just a hobby; it’s seen as a social responsibility. Even simple stretching counts as 運動 in many contexts. It’s about longevity and staying useful to society.
Common Variations
You can swap 毎月 for other time words. Try 毎週 for 'every week' or 毎日 for 'every day'. If you want to be specific, name the sport. You could say 毎月テニスをする for monthly tennis. Another common one is 定期的に運動する for 'regularly exercising'. This sounds a bit more professional or serious. Use ジムに通う if you specifically go to a gym.
Usage Notes
The dictionary form `する` is neutral. In spoken conversation, use `します` for politeness. Avoid using this phrase if the activity is a one-time event.
Use ~te imasu
To sound more like a native speaker when talking about your habit, say '{運動|うんどう}しています' instead of just '{運動|うんどう}します.'
Maitsuki vs Maigetsu
Don't worry about the difference too much. 'Maitsuki' sounds a bit more 'everyday' and 'Maigetsu' sounds a bit more 'scheduled.' Both are fine!
Add a specific activity
Instead of just 'undō,' try saying '{毎月|まいげつ}ヨガをします' (I do yoga every month) to sound more specific.
Examples
6健康のために、毎月運動するようにしています。
I try to exercise every month for my health.
Using 'youni shiteimasu' shows you are making an effort.
最近は忙しいけど、毎月運動するよ。
I'm busy lately, but I do exercise every month.
The 'yo' at the end makes it sound more conversational.
今月も毎月運動する目標、達成した!
I hit my goal of exercising every month again this month!
Casual and celebratory tone for a text message.
毎月運動するはずなんだけど、もう疲れた。
I'm supposed to exercise every month, but I'm already tired.
The 'hazu' implies an unfulfilled expectation.
社員は毎月運動することが推奨されています。
Employees are encouraged to exercise every month.
Passive form 'suishou sareteimasu' adds professional weight.
毎月運動するのは大変だったけど、続けてよかった。
Exercising every month was hard, but I'm glad I kept it up.
Expresses a sense of accomplishment and emotion.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct time word for 'every month'.
{私|わたし}は_____{運動|うんどう}します。
'Maigetsu' means every month. 'Mainichi' is every day, 'Maitoshi' is every year, and 'Kinou' is yesterday.
Which sentence means 'I exercise every month' politely?
Choose the best option:
The '~masu' ending makes the sentence polite.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {運動|うんどう}はしていますか? B: はい、_____しています。
This fits the context of a habit perfectly.
Match the Japanese to the English.
Match the following:
These are the core components of the phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say it
Health
- • Doctor visit
- • Health app
- • Dieting
Social
- • Self-intro
- • Hobby talk
- • Resolutions
Practice Bank
4 exercises{私|わたし}は_____{運動|うんどう}します。
'Maigetsu' means every month. 'Mainichi' is every day, 'Maitoshi' is every year, and 'Kinou' is yesterday.
Choose the best option:
The '~masu' ending makes the sentence polite.
A: {運動|うんどう}はしていますか? B: はい、_____しています。
This fits the context of a habit perfectly.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the core components of the phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it covers walking, swimming, yoga, and even heavy cleaning!
Yes, adding 'o' is grammatically perfect but often omitted in casual speech.
They mean the same thing. 'Maigetsu' is slightly more formal/written.
It depends on the ending. Use 'shimasu' for politeness.
No, 'undō' is strictly for physical movement.
Say '{毎月|まいげつ}{運動|うんどう}しません。'
Yes, 'maigetsu' implies at least once per month.
It is {運動|うんどう}. 'Un' (move) and 'Dō' (motion).
Yes, to show you care about your health and self-management.
'Suru' is the dictionary form; 'shimasu' is the polite form.
Related Phrases
{毎日|まいにち}{運動|うんどう}する
similarTo exercise every day
{体|からだ}を{動|うご}かす
similarTo move one's body
{筋トレ|きんとれ}する
specialized formTo do weight training
{散歩|さんぽ}する
similarTo take a walk
{健康|けんこう}に{気|き}をつける
builds onTo be careful about health