In 15 Seconds
- Crying every year due to a recurring event.
- Implies a predictable, often bittersweet, emotional response.
- Commonly used for nostalgic or sentimental annual triggers.
- Not for unexpected tears; the annual aspect is key.
Meaning
This phrase captures that feeling of tearing up every single year, usually because of something predictable. Think of a sad movie scene you know is coming, or a holiday that always brings back memories. It's not just sadness; it can be nostalgia, bittersweet feelings, or even just a strong emotional reaction to a recurring event.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about a holiday movie marathon
今年のクリスマスも、あの映画で毎年泣くんだろうなあ。
This year's Christmas too, I'll probably cry every year at that movie.
Instagram caption about visiting a childhood spot
この海に来ると、いつも決まって毎年泣く。懐かしい思い出がいっぱいだから。
When I come to this sea, I always end up crying every year. Because there are so many nostalgic memories.
Discussing annual traditions with a colleague
卒業式の映像を見ると、先生方は毎年泣くそうですよ。
Apparently, teachers cry every year when they watch the graduation ceremony footage.
Cultural Background
The concept of `毎年泣く` likely stems from deeply ingrained cultural practices and seasonal observations in Japan. Many traditional festivals, seasonal changes (like cherry blossoms or autumn leaves), and memorial days occur annually, providing consistent triggers for reflection and emotion. This phrase encapsulates the human tendency to form emotional attachments to recurring cycles, acknowledging how time and memory intertwine with predictable events.
The 'Predictable' Power
The magic of `毎年泣く` is its predictability. You're not just crying; you're acknowledging a reliable emotional pattern tied to the calendar. Think of it as your personal, annual tear-jerker.
Don't Cry Daily!
A classic beginner mistake is confusing `毎年` (maitoshi - every year) with `毎日` (mainichi - every day). Using `毎年泣く` for a daily event sounds like you're having a very consistent, but oddly infrequent, daily cry!
In 15 Seconds
- Crying every year due to a recurring event.
- Implies a predictable, often bittersweet, emotional response.
- Commonly used for nostalgic or sentimental annual triggers.
- Not for unexpected tears; the annual aspect is key.
What It Means
This phrase, 毎年泣く (maitoshi naku), literally means 'to cry every year.' But it's more than just shedding tears annually. It implies a predictable, recurring emotional response. You know it's coming, and you know you'll probably feel it again. It often carries a sense of bittersweetness, nostalgia, or even a touch of resignation. It's like having a yearly emotional appointment you can't miss!
How To Use It
Use 毎年泣く when you anticipate crying due to something that happens annually. This could be a specific event, a season, or even a tradition. It's often used when the reason for crying is well-understood, even if it's a bit embarrassing. You're acknowledging your predictable emotional response. It's a way of saying, 'Yep, this gets me every time, year after year.'
Real-Life Examples
Imagine your favorite sad movie always makes you cry during a particular scene, no matter how many times you watch it. That's a perfect 毎年泣く moment. Or maybe the anniversary of a loved one's passing brings tears every year. Even something as simple as seeing the first cherry blossoms of spring might trigger this feeling if it reminds you of happy times past. It’s like your heart has a yearly calendar alert for emotions.
When To Use It
Use this when you're talking about recurring events that reliably make you emotional. Think about:
- Watching a specific holiday movie every December.
- Visiting a place that holds significant memories each summer.
- Attending an annual memorial service.
- Even something like a particularly tough video game boss you struggle with every year when you replay it.
It's about the predictability of the tears.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid 毎年泣く for unexpected crying spells. If you suddenly burst into tears because of a bad day, that's not it. It’s also not for things you *hope* don't happen every year, like annual tax audits (unless you're *really* dramatic about taxes!). Don't use it for daily or weekly occurrences. This is strictly for the annual cycle. It’s not for spontaneous sobbing, it’s for scheduled sniffles!
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 毎年泣く with simply crying often. The 'every year' part is crucial. Also, they might use it for events that aren't annual.
毎日泣く (mainichi naku - cry every day)
✓毎年泣く (maitoshi naku - cry every year)
This is a common mix-up! 毎日 means 'every day,' while 毎年 means 'every year.' Big difference in tears per diem!
毎年笑う (maitoshi warau - laugh every year)
✓毎年泣く (maitoshi naku - cry every year)
Unless you find the same annual event hilariously sad, this is the wrong emotion!
Similar Expressions
恒例の涙(kōrei no namida): This means 'customary tears' or 'traditional tears.' It's a bit more formal and emphasizes the ritualistic nature of the crying.感傷的になる(kanshōteki ni naru): This means 'to become sentimental.' It's broader and doesn't necessarily imply crying or an annual event.泣けてくる(nakete kuru): This means 'to start crying' or 'to be moved to tears.' It's about the onset of crying, not necessarily the annual aspect.
Common Variations
While 毎年泣く is the most common form, you might hear slight variations depending on context:
毎年泣いてしまう(maitoshi naite shimau): Addsしまう(shimau), implying it happens unintentionally or regrettably. 'I end up crying every year.'毎年泣かされる(maitoshi nakasareru): The passive form, meaning 'to be made to cry every year.' Often used when an external event or person causes the tears.
Memory Trick
Think of a MAIn character in a movie who TOSHIes (throws) tissues every year because the plot makes them cry! MAI-TOSHI sounds a bit like 'my toss' of tissues. Plus, the image of annual crying fits perfectly. It’s a tear-jerker marathon!
Quick FAQ
Q. Does 毎年泣く always mean sadness?
A. Not necessarily! It can be nostalgia, bittersweet feelings, or even being overwhelmed by beauty. The core is a strong, recurring emotional response tied to an annual event.
Q. Can it be used for funny things?
A. Technically, yes, if something is so absurdly funny *every year* that you cry laughing. But it's more commonly associated with sad or sentimental tears. Laughing till you cry annually is a niche use case!
Q. Is it a common phrase?
A. Yes, it's quite common and easily understood by native speakers. It paints a vivid picture of predictable emotional reactions.
Usage Notes
This phrase is best suited for informal and neutral contexts. While it can be used in writing, avoid it in highly formal business or academic settings. The key is the predictability tied to an annual cycle; ensure your context reflects this.
The 'Predictable' Power
The magic of `毎年泣く` is its predictability. You're not just crying; you're acknowledging a reliable emotional pattern tied to the calendar. Think of it as your personal, annual tear-jerker.
Don't Cry Daily!
A classic beginner mistake is confusing `毎年` (maitoshi - every year) with `毎日` (mainichi - every day). Using `毎年泣く` for a daily event sounds like you're having a very consistent, but oddly infrequent, daily cry!
Add Nuance with `しまう`
For that extra touch of 'oops, I did it again!', add `しまう` (shimau) to make it `毎年泣いてしまう` (maitoshi naite shimau). It implies the crying happens unintentionally or with a sense of resignation. So relatable!
Embracing the Cycle
Japanese culture often emphasizes cycles and seasons. `毎年泣く` reflects this, showing a comfortable acceptance of recurring emotional responses tied to the natural flow of the year. It’s okay to feel things deeply, especially when the seasons change!
Examples
12今年のクリスマスも、あの映画で毎年泣くんだろうなあ。
This year's Christmas too, I'll probably cry every year at that movie.
The speaker anticipates their usual emotional reaction to a specific movie during the holiday season.
この海に来ると、いつも決まって毎年泣く。懐かしい思い出がいっぱいだから。
When I come to this sea, I always end up crying every year. Because there are so many nostalgic memories.
卒業式の映像を見ると、先生方は毎年泣くそうですよ。
Apparently, teachers cry every year when they watch the graduation ceremony footage.
This uses the phrase to describe a professional, yet emotional, recurring event.
もう10歳か。誕生日が来るたびに、うちの子は毎年泣くよ。
It's already 10 years old. Every time its birthday comes, my kid cries every year.
Humorous exaggeration about a child's predictable reaction to a pet's birthday.
桜が満開の時期になると、なぜか毎年泣くんだよね。感動しちゃう。
When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, for some reason I cry every year. I get so moved.
Expresses a sentimental reaction to the annual cherry blossom season.
✗ 毎朝コーヒーを飲んで毎年泣く。
✗ Every morning I drink coffee and cry every year.
Incorrect use of 'every year' for a daily event.
✗ 毎年泣くのは疲れる。
✗ Crying every year is tiring.
This is grammatically okay, but the learner intended to say they cry *often*, not specifically annually. The phrase implies a *recurring annual* event.
この度はお忙しい中、面接の機会をいただき感謝しております。貴社のビジョンに触れ、毎年泣くほどの情熱を改めて感じました。
Thank you for the interview opportunity amidst your busy schedule. Touching upon your company's vision, I felt a passion that makes me cry every year.
A slightly dramatic but potentially impactful way to express strong, recurring admiration during a formal interaction.
来週の同窓会、楽しみだけど、絶対毎年泣くやつだわw
Looking forward to the reunion next week, but it's definitely the kind of thing where I'll cry every year lol
Casual and humorous acknowledgment of anticipated tears at a reunion.
あの最終回、何度見ても毎年泣くんだよな…。
That final episode, no matter how many times I watch it, I cry every year...
Expressing a consistent emotional response to a piece of media watched annually.
この景色、本当に綺麗。私も来年ここに来て毎年泣く体験したい!
This scenery is truly beautiful. I want to come here next year and experience crying every year too!
Expressing a desire to have a recurring emotional experience at a beautiful location.
あの時の出来事は、私にとって毎年泣くほどの衝撃だった。
The event from that time was such a shock to me that I cried every year.
Emphasizes the profound and lasting emotional impact of a past event that resurfaces annually.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
`毎年泣く` means to cry every year, fitting the context of remembering childhood during Christmas.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
The original sentence is actually correct. The phrase `泣いてしまう` (naite shimau) adds a nuance of unintentionally or regrettably crying, which fits perfectly with the context of a graduation ceremony.
Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly.
Which sentence correctly uses `毎年泣く`?
Option B correctly uses `毎年泣く` to describe a movie that is so moving it causes tears annually. Option A is nonsensical, C implies a lack of time for annual crying, and D incorrectly combines 'every morning' and 'every year'.
Translate this sentence into Japanese.
This translation captures the meaning of crying annually due to a specific, recurring event (watching a sad movie).
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate phrase.
The context of remembering one's hometown during the cherry blossom season (an annual event) strongly suggests the emotional response of crying every year.
Identify and correct the mistake.
While you *can* cry from laughter, the phrase 'cry every year' (`毎年泣く`) usually implies sadness or strong emotion, not humor. If the joke is funny, the correct verb is `笑う` (warau - to laugh).
Select the sentence that uses `毎年泣く` appropriately.
Which sentence demonstrates the correct usage of `毎年泣く`?
Option A correctly links the annual crying to watching a moving documentary. Option B is illogical ('studied to the point of crying every year'), C is a negation, and D is nonsensical ('vegetables that cry every year').
Translate the following sentence into Japanese.
This uses the causative form `泣かせる` (nakaseru - to make cry) to indicate the anniversary is the cause of the annual tears.
Arrange the words to form a correct sentence.
This sentence means 'Every year, I cry at movies because they are moving.'
Match the Japanese phrase with its correct English meaning.
Understanding the time-related adverbs (毎年, 毎日, 時々) is key to grasping the frequency of the action.
Choose the best word to complete the sentence, considering nuance.
While `感動する` (kandou suru - to be moved) and `驚く` (odoroku - to be surprised) are possible, `毎年泣く` (maitoshi naku - cry every year) captures the specific emotional, often tearful, reaction to seeing a child grow up over time.
Put the words in the correct order to make a natural Japanese sentence.
This sentence means 'When I hear that song, I cry every year,' indicating a strong emotional connection to a piece of music played annually or remembered yearly.
🎉 Score: /12
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum for 毎年泣く
Casual chat with close friends, texting.
あー、またあのシーンで毎年泣くわw
Everyday conversations, social media posts.
この時期になると毎年泣くんだよね。
Describing a personal experience factually.
その映画は毎年泣く人が多いです。
Rarely used; might appear in literature but unusual in formal speech.
(文学作品にて)彼は毎年泣く傾向にあった。
Situations Where You Might Say '毎年泣く'
Watching a favorite holiday movie
クリスマスの映画、毎年泣くんだよな。
Visiting a nostalgic place
故郷に帰ると毎年泣く。
Remembering a loved one
命日には毎年泣く。
Seeing seasonal changes (e.g., cherry blossoms)
桜を見ると毎年泣く。
Replaying a sentimental video game
あのゲームのエンディングで毎年泣く。
Discussing a touching event
卒業式の映像で毎年泣く先生。
Comparing '毎年泣く' with Similar Expressions
Triggers for '毎年泣く'
Media & Entertainment
- • Sad movies
- • Touching anime endings
- • Nostalgic commercials
- • Bittersweet songs
Personal Milestones
- • Anniversaries
- • Graduations
- • Birthdays (of loved ones)
- • Reunions
Seasonal Events
- • Cherry blossoms
- • Autumn leaves
- • End of year
- • Holidays
Memory & Nostalgia
- • Childhood places
- • Old photos
- • Reminiscing about the past
- • Remembering loved ones
Practice Bank
12 exercisesクリスマスの歌を聞くと、子供の頃を思い出して ___ ___。
`毎年泣く` means to cry every year, fitting the context of remembering childhood during Christmas.
Find and fix the mistake:
卒業式のビデオを見ると、彼女は毎年泣いてしまう。
The original sentence is actually correct. The phrase `泣いてしまう` (naite shimau) adds a nuance of unintentionally or regrettably crying, which fits perfectly with the context of a graduation ceremony.
Which sentence correctly uses `毎年泣く`?
Option B correctly uses `毎年泣く` to describe a movie that is so moving it causes tears annually. Option A is nonsensical, C implies a lack of time for annual crying, and D incorrectly combines 'every morning' and 'every year'.
I always cry every year watching that sad movie.
Hints: Use 'always' (いつも), The phrase is 'cry every year' (毎年泣く)
This translation captures the meaning of crying annually due to a specific, recurring event (watching a sad movie).
桜の季節になると、故郷を思い出して ___ ___。
The context of remembering one's hometown during the cherry blossom season (an annual event) strongly suggests the emotional response of crying every year.
Find and fix the mistake:
彼のジョークは毎年泣くほど面白い。
While you *can* cry from laughter, the phrase 'cry every year' (`毎年泣く`) usually implies sadness or strong emotion, not humor. If the joke is funny, the correct verb is `笑う` (warau - to laugh).
Which sentence demonstrates the correct usage of `毎年泣く`?
Option A correctly links the annual crying to watching a moving documentary. Option B is illogical ('studied to the point of crying every year'), C is a negation, and D is nonsensical ('vegetables that cry every year').
The anniversary of the event always makes me cry every year.
Hints: Use the passive form of 'cry' (泣かされる) or the causative 'make cry' (泣かせる)., 'Anniversary' can be 記念日 (kinenbi).
This uses the causative form `泣かせる` (nakaseru - to make cry) to indicate the anniversary is the cause of the annual tears.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
This sentence means 'Every year, I cry at movies because they are moving.'
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Understanding the time-related adverbs (毎年, 毎日, 時々) is key to grasping the frequency of the action.
子供の成長記録を見返すと、つい ___ ___。
While `感動する` (kandou suru - to be moved) and `驚く` (odoroku - to be surprised) are possible, `毎年泣く` (maitoshi naku - cry every year) captures the specific emotional, often tearful, reaction to seeing a child grow up over time.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
This sentence means 'When I hear that song, I cry every year,' indicating a strong emotional connection to a piece of music played annually or remembered yearly.
🎉 Score: /12
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
20 questionsLiterally, 毎年 (maitoshi) means 'every year' and 泣く (naku) means 'to cry.' So, the direct translation is 'to cry every year.' This phrase highlights a recurring emotional reaction tied to an annual event or time.
Not exclusively. While sadness is common, it can also encompass nostalgia, bittersweet feelings, overwhelming joy, or even being deeply moved by beauty. The core idea is a strong, predictable emotional response that occurs annually.
Yes, it can! If a particular event or achievement makes you cry tears of joy every single year, you could use this phrase. For example, seeing your child succeed at an annual competition might make you cry tears of happiness every year.
Use it when discussing events, seasons, or traditions that reliably trigger an emotional response in you year after year. It's perfect for acknowledging predictable feelings associated with annual occurrences like holidays, anniversaries, or seasonal changes.
No, the key word is 毎年 (maitoshi), meaning 'every year.' If you cry every week, you would need a different phrase like 毎週泣く (maishuu naku). Using 毎年泣く for a weekly event would be incorrect and confusing.
If your crying is spontaneous and not tied to a specific annual event, 毎年泣く isn't the right phrase. You might simply say 泣いてしまった (naite shimatta - I ended up crying) or 涙が出た (namida ga deta - tears came out) depending on the situation.
This phrase is generally considered informal to neutral. You'd use it in casual conversations with friends, family, or in personal writings like blogs or social media. It's less common in very formal business settings or academic writing.
Both mean you cry every year. However, adding しまう (shimau) adds a nuance of unintentionality or regret. 毎年泣いてしまう suggests that you can't help but cry every year, perhaps feeling a bit embarrassed or resigned about it.
Yes, you could say 恒例の涙 (kōrei no namida), meaning 'customary tears,' which is a bit more formal and emphasizes the ritualistic aspect. 感傷的になる (kanshōteki ni naru - to become sentimental) is broader and doesn't necessarily involve crying or an annual event.
It suggests the person is in touch with their emotions and acknowledges recurring triggers. It can portray them as sentimental, nostalgic, or deeply affected by certain annual events. It's often seen as a relatable human trait.
Potentially, yes. If someone does something predictably annoying every year, you might sarcastically say they 'cry every year' about it, implying a dramatic, over-the-top reaction. However, the default meaning is sincere emotion.
A very common mistake is confusing 毎年 (maitoshi - every year) with 毎日 (mainichi - every day). Using 毎年泣く when you mean 'I cry every day' would be incorrect and imply a very strange, infrequent daily crying habit.
Ensure the event you're referring to actually happens annually! Also, be mindful of the context; using it in a super formal business presentation might sound out of place. Stick to casual and semi-formal situations where emotional expression is appropriate.
The phrase itself doesn't specify intensity. It could be a few tears or sobbing. You might add adverbs like 号泣する (gōkyū suru - to sob) or しくしく泣く (shiku shiku naku - to whimper) if you want to describe the *way* you cry annually.
No, 毎年泣く is gender-neutral. Both men and women can use this phrase to describe their recurring annual emotional responses. Societal norms might influence *how often* someone expresses this, but the phrase itself is universal.
Japan has a rich calendar of seasonal festivals (matsuri), holidays, and remembrance days. These annual events are deeply woven into the cultural fabric, providing consistent opportunities for reflection, community bonding, and emotional expression, making phrases like 毎年泣く very relevant.
Yes, absolutely. If a particular annual event is unpleasant or stressful, like an audit or a difficult family gathering, you could use 毎年泣く to express dread or the emotional toll it takes on you each year, perhaps with a touch of dark humor.
It's tricky and generally not recommended for direct use unless the context is extremely specific and allows for personal emotional sharing, perhaps related to a company's mission that deeply resonates annually. A safer bet is to describe passion with other terms.
毎年泣く specifically refers to crying every year. 毎年感動する (maitoshi kandō suru) means 'to be moved/touched every year.' Crying is often a result of being moved, so they are related, but 感動する is broader and doesn't necessarily involve tears.
While grammatically possible, it's highly unlikely and anthropomorphic. You wouldn't typically say your dog cries every year. It's primarily used for human emotional responses to recurring events or memories.
Related Phrases
毎日泣く
antonymTo cry every day
This phrase is related because it also describes crying, but it contrasts sharply with `毎年泣く` by specifying a daily frequency instead of an annual one.
時々泣く
related topicTo cry sometimes
This phrase relates to `毎年泣く` as it describes frequency of crying, but `時々泣く` is less predictable and less tied to specific annual events than the core phrase.
恒例の涙
synonymCustomary tears / Traditional tears
This phrase is similar as it implies tears that happen regularly due to tradition, but `恒例の涙` sounds more formal and ritualistic than the everyday `毎年泣く`.
泣けてくる
related topicTo start crying / To be moved to tears
This phrase describes the onset of crying, which could happen annually, but it doesn't inherently contain the 'every year' aspect of `毎年泣く`.
感傷的になる
related topicTo become sentimental
Becoming sentimental is often a precursor to crying, and annual events can trigger sentimentality, making this related to `毎年泣く`, though it doesn't explicitly mention crying or the annual frequency.
毎年笑う
antonymTo laugh every year
This phrase uses the same annual frequency marker (`毎年`) but pairs it with the opposite emotion (`笑う` - to laugh), highlighting the specific emotional valence of `毎年泣く`.