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A1 noun #3,849 most common 8 min read

毎月

maitsuki Top 3,849

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 毎月 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 毎月 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn 'maitsuki' as a simple vocabulary word to describe your habits. You use it just like 'every day' (mainichi). It helps you build basic sentences about your life, like 'I go to the park every month' or 'I buy a magazine every month'. You don't need to worry about the 'maigetsu' reading yet; focus on 'maitsuki'. The key is to remember that you don't need the particle 'ni' after it. It's a 'standalone' time word. You will mostly see it in very simple present-tense sentences. It is one of the first 'time frequency' words you will encounter alongside 'mainichi' and 'maishu'. This word is essential for basic communication about schedules and routines.

At the A2 level, you start using 'maitsuki' to describe more complex routines and social obligations. You might use it to talk about paying rent, attending a specific class, or visiting family. You begin to understand that 'maitsuki' can also modify other nouns using the 'no' particle, such as 'maitsuki no tesuto' (every month's test). You are also introduced to the kanji (毎月), and you should be able to recognize it in simple texts. At this stage, you might hear 'maigetsu' in more formal listening exercises, and you should recognize that it means the same thing as 'maitsuki'. You also start comparing 'maitsuki' with 'ikkagetsu ni ichido' (once a month) to express specific frequencies.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'maigetsu' in semi-formal situations, such as at a part-time job or in a classroom presentation. You will encounter the word in news articles and intermediate reading passages. You should understand the nuance that 'maigetsu' sounds more business-like. You will also learn related terms like 'maigetsu-matsu' (the end of every month) and 'maigetsu-hajime' (the beginning of every month). You start to see 'maigetsu' used in 'if' sentences or 'when' sentences, like 'If I save money every month, I can buy a car.' Your ability to use it as both an adverb and a noun modifier should be fluid.

At the B2 level, you use 'maigetsu' (and 'maitsuki') to discuss trends and systematic occurrences. You will see it in business contexts where it describes 'monthly targets' (maigetsu no mokuhyou) or 'monthly fluctuations' (maigetsu no hendou). You should be aware of synonyms like 'getsuji' (monthly - business) and 'getsurei' (regular monthly - events). You can explain the subtle difference between 'maitsuki' (daily life focus) and 'maigetsu' (formal/objective focus). You are also expected to use it correctly in complex grammar structures, such as passive or causative sentences. For example, 'A report is required to be submitted every month' (Maigetsu, houkokusho no teishutsu ga motomerareiru).

At the C1 level, you possess a nuanced understanding of 'maigetsu' versus specialized terms. You know when to use 'tsukigime' for contracts, 'getsuji' for accounting, and 'reigetsu' for official ceremonies. You can use 'maigetsu' in high-level discourse about economics, sociology, or law. You understand its role in set phrases and idioms. You can detect the tone of a speaker based on whether they choose 'maitsuki' or 'maigetsu'. Your usage is perfectly natural, and you can use the word to describe abstract concepts, such as 'the monthly rhythm of the stock market'. You also understand historical or literary uses where 'tsuki' might be used in a more poetic sense within 'maitsuki'.

At the C2 level, you have mastered 'maigetsu' to the point of native-like intuition. You can use it in creative writing, academic papers, and professional negotiations without hesitation. You understand the etymological roots of the kanji '毎' and how it functions in various compounds. You can effortlessly switch between 'maitsuki' and 'maigetsu' to match the exact register of your environment. You are also familiar with rare or archaic variations of the word found in classical literature or specific regional dialects. Your mastery includes the ability to use the word in sophisticated rhetorical devices, such as irony or hyperbole, and you can explain the finest distinctions between it and all its synonyms to other learners.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

毎月 in 30 Seconds

Maitsuki (毎月) means 'every month' and is used for recurring monthly habits or events in daily life.
Maigetsu (毎月) is the more formal reading of the same kanji, commonly used in business or official contexts.
It acts as a time adverb, meaning you usually don't need the particle 'ni' after it in a sentence.
It can modify nouns using the particle 'no', such as 'maitsuki no yachin' (monthly rent).

The Japanese word 毎月, read as either maitsuki or maigetsu, is a fundamental temporal noun and adverb that translates to 'every month' or 'monthly' in English. It is composed of two kanji: 毎 (mai), meaning 'every' or 'each', and 月 (getsu/tsuki), meaning 'month' or 'moon'. This word is used to describe actions, events, or states that recur once in every calendar month cycle. Understanding 毎月 is essential for daily life in Japan, as it governs the rhythm of financial obligations, social gatherings, and professional reporting.

Daily Routine: In casual conversation, maitsuki is the most common reading. People use it to talk about hobbies, gym visits, or calling their parents. It creates a sense of habit and consistency.
Business and Finance: In formal contexts or written reports, maigetsu is frequently heard. It refers to monthly sales targets, budget reviews, and recurring payments like rent (yachin) or utility bills.

私は毎月、新しい本を三冊読みます。(I read three new books every month.)

The concept of 'every month' in Japan is deeply tied to the calendar system. Unlike English, where 'monthly' might imply a vague frequency, 毎月 specifically points to the transition from one numbered month to the next. It is often paired with specific dates, such as 'the 1st of every month' (maitsuki tsuitachi). Culturally, Japan operates on a very strict monthly cycle for everything from magazine releases to the 'cleaning day' in local neighborhoods.

毎月の支払いを忘れないでください。(Please do not forget the monthly payments.)

Historically, the use of mai (毎) implies a systematic recurrence. It is part of a family of words including mainichi (every day) and maishu (every week). In the modern Japanese lifestyle, maitsuki is the heartbeat of the 'subscription economy' (sabukusu), where monthly fees for streaming, gyms, and apps are the norm. When you see this word, think of a calendar page being flipped—it marks the start of a fresh cycle of responsibilities and opportunities.

Grammatical Role: It functions as a time adverb. This means you usually don't need the particle 'ni' after it. Just say 'maitsuki [action]'.

Using 毎月 correctly requires understanding its position within a Japanese sentence. As a time adverb, it typically appears at the beginning of a sentence or immediately after the topic (marked by wa). It acts as a temporal frame, setting the stage for the frequency of the verb that follows. Because it inherently contains the concept of 'every', it creates a habitual aspect, often requiring the verb to be in the non-past form (dictionary form or -masu form) to indicate a recurring action.

彼は毎月、故郷の両親に手紙を書きます。(He writes a letter to his parents in his hometown every month.)

When 毎月 is used as a noun, it can be followed by the particle no to modify another noun. This is how we create phrases like 'monthly meeting' (maigetsu no kaigi) or 'monthly budget' (maigetsu no yosan). This 'noun + no' structure is vital for business Japanese, where categorization of time is frequent. In these cases, maigetsu is often preferred over maitsuki because it sounds more professional and structured.

The 'No' Particle Rule: Example: Maitsuki no kyuuryou (Monthly salary). Here, 'maitsuki' acts as an adjective describing the salary.
Adverbial Placement: Example: Maitsuki, toshokan ni ikimasu (I go to the library every month). No particle is needed between 'maitsuki' and the rest of the sentence.

Another advanced usage involves combining 毎月 with specific dates or time frames. For instance, 'the end of every month' is maigetsu matsu or maitsuki no owari. If you are describing a trend, you might use maigetsu with verbs like fueru (to increase) or heru (to decrease) to show a month-over-month progression. This is common in financial news: 'The number of tourists increases every month' (Kankoukyaku wa maigetsu fuete imasu).

この雑誌は毎月二十日に発売されます。(This magazine is released on the 20th of every month.)

In Japan, 毎月 is a word that rings through the speakers of train stations, appears on every utility bill, and is a staple of office water-cooler talk. One of the most common places you will hear it is in the context of yachin (rent). In Japan, rent is almost universally paid monthly, and landlords or management companies will frequently send reminders about maitsuki no shiharai (monthly payments). If you live in an apartment, you might see notices in the lobby about maitsuki dai-ichi getsuyoubi (the first Monday of every month) being the day for oversized trash collection.

At the Office: Meetings are the lifeblood of Japanese corporate culture. You will hear about maigetsu no houkoku (monthly reports) or maigetsu no teirei kaigi (regular monthly meetings) constantly.
In Retail: Shops often have sales or points days. A sign might say 'Maitsuki 5-no-tsuku hi wa pointo go-bai' (On the 5th, 15th, and 25th of every month, points are 5x).

毎月末には、棚卸し作業があります。(At the end of every month, there is inventory work.)

Television and social media also use 毎月 to build loyalty. Many YouTube creators or podcasters promise 'maitsuki koushin' (monthly updates). In the world of fashion and hobbies, Japan has a very strong culture of monthly magazines (gekkanshi). You'll hear people say, 'I buy this magazine every month' (Kono zasshi o maitsuki katte imasu). Even in traditional settings, certain shrine festivals or temple markets occur maitsuki on a specific day, connecting the modern word to ancient lunar cycles.

このサービスは毎月自動更新されます。(This service is automatically renewed every month.)

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using 毎月 is adding the particle ni (at/on) after it. In English, we say 'In every month' or 'On a monthly basis,' but in Japanese, 毎月 acts as a self-contained adverb. Saying 'Maitsuki ni' is grammatically redundant and sounds unnatural. Another common confusion arises between maitsuki and tsuki-zuki. While tsuki-zuki also means 'monthly,' it is almost exclusively used for recurring payments or installments, whereas 毎月 is much more versatile.

The 'Ni' Particle Error: Incorrect: 毎月にジムに行きます。 Correct: 毎月ジムに行きます。
Confusing with 'Each Month': Sometimes learners use kaku-getsu (every other month) when they mean maigetsu. Make sure you don't confuse the 'every' kanji with 'alternate' kanji.

❌ 毎月にテストがあります。 (Wrong)
✅ 毎月テストがあります。 (Right)

Pronunciation is another pitfall. While both maitsuki and maigetsu are valid, mixing them up in the wrong register can feel slightly 'off'. Using maigetsu in a very casual chat with a toddler might sound overly stiff, while using maitsuki in a high-level legal contract might seem slightly too informal. Furthermore, avoid confusing maitsuki with mainetsu (which isn't a word—people often mix up 'year' and 'month' kanji when starting out).

Lastly, be careful with the kanji mai (毎). It looks very similar to umi (海 - sea) and haha (母 - mother). In fact, the kanji for 'every' contains the 'mother' radical at the bottom. A common student mistake is misreading maitsuki as 'mother month' or 'sea month'. Always look for the 'hat' on the top of mai to distinguish it from its cousins.

While 毎月 is the most common way to say 'every month,' Japanese offers several alternatives depending on the nuance of 'monthly' you wish to convey. For example, getsurei (月例) is used for events that are established as a monthly tradition or rule, like a 'regular monthly marathon.' On the other hand, getsuji (月次) is a technical term used in accounting and business for things like 'monthly closing' or 'monthly results'.

月々 (Tsukizuki): Used primarily for money. 'Tsukizuki no shiharai' refers to monthly installments for a car or phone.
一ヶ月に一度 (Ikkagetsu ni ichido): Meaning 'once a month.' This emphasizes the frequency (only once) rather than the cycle itself.
月極 (Tsukigime): A very specific word meaning 'monthly contract.' You will see this on parking lot signs everywhere in Japan (tsukigime chuushajou).

この駐車場は月極です。 (This parking lot is by monthly contract.)

Another related term is kakugetsu (隔月), which means 'every other month' or 'bimonthly.' This is common for magazine publications that don't have enough content for a monthly release. If you want to say 'throughout the month,' you might use tsukitoshite. For 'per month,' as in '30,000 yen per month,' you would use tsuki followed by the particle de or just tsuki: 'Tsuki san-man en'.

Finally, consider reigetsu (例月), which means 'every month' in a very formal, bureaucratic sense, often used in government documents. Choosing the right 'monthly' word shows your level of Japanese proficiency. While 毎月 will get you through 90% of situations, knowing that a parking lot is tsukigime and an accounting report is getsuji will make you sound like a native speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The reading 'Maitsuki' is technically a 'Kun-yomi' hybrid because 'Mai' is 'On-yomi' and 'Tsuki' is 'Kun-yomi'. This is called a 'Jubako-yomi' reading.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /maɪ.tsuː.ki/

US /maɪ.tsu.ki/

Flat pitch (Heiban) for 'Maitsuki', or slightly falling for 'Maigetsu'.

Rhymes With

Kaitsuki Taitsuki Saitsuki Haitsuki Naitsuki Raitsuki Waitsuki Yaitsuki

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tsu' as 'su'
Stressing the 'mai' too heavily
Forgetting the 'i' sound in 'mai'
Making the 'u' in 'tsuki' too long
Confusing the 'getsu' and 'gatsu' sounds

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The kanji are simple but have two possible readings.

Writing 2/5

The kanji for 'every' can be tricky to distinguish from 'mother'.

Speaking 1/5

Very easy to pronounce and use as a standalone adverb.

Listening 2/5

Easy to recognize, but listen for the 'maigetsu' variation in formal speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

月 (Month) 一 (One) 日 (Day) 私 (I)

Learn Next

今月 (This month) 先月 (Last month) 来月 (Next month) 再来月 (Month after next)

Advanced

月次 (Monthly/Business) 隔月 (Every other month) 月例 (Monthly/Regular)

Grammar to Know

Time Adverbs without 'Ni'

毎月、日本語を勉強します。 (Correct) / 毎月に、日本語を勉強します。 (Incorrect)

Noun Modification with 'No'

毎月の家賃 (Monthly rent)

Frequency + 'Ni' + Count

一ヶ月に一度 (Once a month)

Habitual Non-Past Tense

毎月、本を読みます。 (I read books every month.)

Compound Kanji Readings

毎月 (Maitsuki/Maigetsu) - both are acceptable.

Examples by Level

私は毎月、映画を見ます。

I watch a movie every month.

Maitsuki is used as an adverb here.

毎月、日本料理を食べます。

Every month, I eat Japanese food.

No 'ni' particle after maitsuki.

彼女は毎月、手紙を書きます。

She writes a letter every month.

Focus on the habitual action.

毎月、公園を散歩します。

I take a walk in the park every month.

Maitsuki sets the frequency.

この雑誌は毎月買います。

I buy this magazine every month.

Direct object 'zasshi' followed by maitsuki.

毎月、友達に会います。

I meet my friends every month.

Social routine.

毎月、日本語を勉強します。

I study Japanese every month.

Continuous habit.

毎月、お寺に行きます。

I go to a temple every month.

Spiritual routine.

毎月の家賃は高いです。

The monthly rent is expensive.

Maitsuki + no + Noun.

毎月、二十日に給料をもらいます。

I receive my salary on the 20th of every month.

Specific date within the monthly cycle.

毎月、一回は旅行に行きたいです。

I want to go on a trip at least once every month.

Maitsuki + frequency (ikkai).

この花は毎月、水をあげてください。

Please water this flower every month.

Instruction/Request.

毎月、新しい歌を練習しています。

I am practicing a new song every month.

Present continuous habit.

毎月のテストは難しいですが、頑張ります。

The monthly tests are difficult, but I'll do my best.

Adjectival use with 'no'.

毎月、図書館で本を五冊借ります。

I borrow five books from the library every month.

Quantifier + Maitsuki.

彼は毎月、ジムでトレーニングをします。

He trains at the gym every month.

Standard adverbial placement.

毎月の収支を計算するのは大切です。

It is important to calculate monthly income and expenditure.

Business/Financial context.

毎月、会議の内容を記録しています。

I record the contents of the meeting every month.

Formal reporting.

このアプリは毎月、自動的にアップデートされます。

This app is updated automatically every month.

Passive voice + Maitsuki.

毎月、一万円ずつ貯金することにしました。

I decided to save 10,000 yen each month.

Grammar: ~koto ni shimashita (decision).

毎月、ボランティア活動に参加しています。

I participate in volunteer activities every month.

Social contribution context.

毎月の電気代を節約しようと思っています。

I am thinking of saving on the monthly electricity bill.

Volitional form + omotte iru.

毎月、新しいプロジェクトが始まります。

A new project starts every month.

Intransitive verb 'hajimaru'.

毎月、季節の花が咲くのを楽しみにしています。

I look forward to the seasonal flowers blooming every month.

Noun phrase + no o tanoshimi ni suru.

毎月の売上目標を達成するために努力しています。

We are making efforts to achieve our monthly sales targets.

Professional goal setting.

毎月、定期的に健康診断を受けています。

I undergo a health checkup regularly every month.

Teikiteki ni (regularly) + Maigetsu.

毎月のデータをもとに、来月の計画を立てます。

Based on the monthly data, we will make a plan for next month.

~o moto ni (based on).

この雑誌は毎月、幅広い世代に読まれています。

This magazine is read by a wide range of generations every month.

Passive voice + Maigetsu.

毎月、一定の金額を投資に回しています。

I allocate a certain amount of money to investment every month.

Financial terminology.

毎月のイベントは、地域住民の交流の場となっています。

The monthly events serve as a place for interaction among local residents.

~no ba to natte iru (serving as a place).

毎月、異なるテーマでワークショップを開催しています。

We hold workshops with different themes every month.

Maigetsu + Koushin (hosting).

毎月の支払いが滞らないように注意してください。

Please be careful not to let your monthly payments fall behind.

Todokooru (to stagnate/fall behind).

毎月の景気動向調査の結果が発表されました。

The results of the monthly economic trend survey have been announced.

Academic/Professional phrase.

毎月のルーティンを崩さないことが、成功の秘訣です。

Not breaking your monthly routine is the secret to success.

Abstract noun modifier.

毎月の購読料は、クレジットカードから引き落とされます。

The monthly subscription fee is debited from your credit card.

Financial automation vocabulary.

毎月、質の高いコンテンツを提供し続けるのは容易ではありません。

It is not easy to continue providing high-quality content every month.

Complexity of 'tsuzukeru' (continue).

毎月のメンテナンスによって、システムの安定性が保たれています。

System stability is maintained through monthly maintenance.

~ni yotte (through/by).

毎月の社内報には、社員のインタビューが掲載されます。

Interviews with employees are published in the monthly internal newsletter.

Shanai-hou (internal newsletter).

毎月のノルマに追われる生活から抜け出したい。

I want to escape from a life of being chased by monthly quotas.

Noruma (quota) + owareru (to be chased).

毎月の返済額を減らすために、ローンを組み直しました。

I refinanced the loan to reduce the monthly repayment amount.

Kumi-naosu (to restructure/refinance).

毎月の定点観測を通じて、社会の変化を鋭く察知する。

Through monthly fixed-point observations, one can sharply perceive social changes.

Teiten kansoku (fixed-point observation).

毎月の微細な変動が、長期的なトレンドを形成していく。

Minute monthly fluctuations go on to form long-term trends.

Bisai na hendou (minute fluctuations).

毎月の恒例行事として定着したその祭りは、街の誇りだ。

The festival, which has become established as a regular monthly event, is the pride of the town.

Kourei gyouji (regular event).

毎月の月謝を工面するのに、彼女は苦労した。

She struggled to manage the monthly tuition fees.

Kumen suru (to manage/raise money).

毎月のノルマ達成は、彼にとって至上命令であった。

Achieving the monthly quota was an absolute imperative for him.

Shijou meirei (absolute command).

毎月の会合は、単なる社交の場を超えた意味を持っている。

The monthly meetings hold a significance that transcends being a mere place for socializing.

~o koeta (transcending).

毎月の推移を詳細に分析し、戦略の修正を図る。

Analyze the monthly transitions in detail and aim to revise the strategy.

Suii (transition/change over time).

毎月の寄付が、多くの子供たちの未来を支えている。

Monthly donations are supporting the futures of many children.

Philanthropic context.

Synonyms

月ごと月次月例毎々月各月

Antonyms

隔月年一回

Common Collocations

毎月の家賃

毎月の給料

毎月の目標

毎月の支払い

毎月の行事

毎月の報告

毎月の積み立て

毎月のルーティン

毎月の点検

毎月の購読

Common Phrases

毎月のこと

— Something that happens every month without fail.

これは毎月のことだから、心配しないで。

毎月定例

— A regularly scheduled monthly event.

毎月定例の掃除があります。

毎月第一...

— The first [Day of Week] of every month.

毎月第一日曜日は休みです。

毎月のように

— Almost every month (implies high frequency).

彼は毎月のように旅行に行っている。

毎月の楽しみ

— Something one looks forward to every month.

この雑誌を読むのが毎月の楽しみです。

毎月のノルマ

— A monthly quota or target.

毎月のノルマが厳しい。

毎月末

— The end of every month.

毎月末は忙しいです。

毎月恒例

— A monthly tradition or custom.

毎月恒例の飲み会です。

毎月発行

— Published monthly.

この新聞は毎月発行されます。

毎月更新

— Updated monthly.

データは毎月更新されます。

Often Confused With

毎月 vs 毎日

Learners often mix up 'day' and 'month' kanji early on.

毎月 vs 今月

Don't confuse 'every month' with 'this month'.

毎月 vs 月極

Don't use 'maitsuki' for parking signs; use 'tsukigime'.

Idioms & Expressions

"毎月毎月"

— Month after month; implies repetition, sometimes with a sense of weariness.

毎月毎月、同じ失敗を繰り返している。

Informal

"月々の暮らし"

— Day-to-day living on a monthly basis.

月々の暮らしに困る。

Neutral

"月を追うごとに"

— As the months go by; month by month.

月を追うごとに、日本語が上手になった。

Formal

"月並みな"

— Ordinary/Commonplace (derived from things that happen every month).

月並みな表現ですが、感謝しています。

Neutral

"月日の経つのは早い"

— Time flies (months and days pass quickly).

月日の経つのは早いもので、もう一年ですね。

Neutral

"月を跨ぐ"

— To span across months.

仕事が月を跨いでしまった。

Business

"月を重ねる"

— To pass many months; to accumulate time.

月を重ねるごとに、二人の仲は深まった。

Literary

"月々のやり繰り"

— Managing monthly finances/budget.

月々のやり繰りが大変だ。

Neutral

"月が替わる"

— The month changes (the start of a new month).

月が替わったら、また連絡します。

Neutral

"月に叢雲花に風"

— Good things often meet with obstacles (The moon is hidden by clouds).

幸せな時こそ、月に叢雲花に風ということもある。

Literary

Easily Confused

毎月 vs 月々 (Tsukizuki)

Both mean monthly.

Tsukizuki is almost only for money/payments. Maitsuki is for everything.

月々のローンを払う。

毎月 vs 月例 (Getsurei)

Both refer to monthly things.

Getsurei refers to things that are 'regular' or 'fixed' by rule.

月例マラソン大会。

毎月 vs 月次 (Getsuji)

Both mean monthly.

Getsuji is a business term for accounting cycles.

月次決算を行う。

毎月 vs 一ヶ月に一度

Both describe a once-a-month frequency.

Maitsuki is an adverb for the cycle; the other emphasizes the count.

一ヶ月に一度、掃除をします。

毎月 vs 毎々月 (Maimaitsuki)

Sounds like every month.

Actually means 'month after month' and is very old-fashioned.

毎々月のことながら、感謝します。

Sentence Patterns

毎月、[Verb-masu].

毎月、本を読みます。

毎月の[Noun]は[Adjective]です。

毎月のテストは難しいです。

毎月、[Verb-dictionary]ことにしています。

毎月、貯金することにしています。

毎月、[Verb-te]います。

毎月、ボランティアに参加しています。

毎月の[Noun]を通じて、[Verb]。

毎月の調査を通じて、傾向を知る。

毎月の[Noun]が、[Noun]を左右する。

毎月の売上が、会社の運命を左右する。

毎月、[Noun]を[Verb-masu]。

毎月、映画を見ます。

毎月、[Time/Date]に[Verb-masu]。

毎月、一日に神社に行きます。

Word Family

Nouns

月 (Month)

今月 (This month)

先月 (Last month)

来月 (Next month)

Verbs

月極める (To contract monthly)

Adjectives

月並みな (Ordinary)

毎日

毎週

毎年

毎朝

毎晩

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely common in both spoken and written Japanese.

Common Mistakes

毎月に... → 毎月...
Adding 'ni' is a very common mistake for English speakers. Time adverbs like maitsuki don't need it.
毎月の日 → 毎日
Confusing 'month' and 'day'. Make sure you check the kanji carefully.
毎月一ヶ月 → 毎月
Redundant. 'Maitsuki' already implies 'every one month'.
毎月の家賃を払いました。 → 毎月、家賃を払っています。
Using past tense for a habit. Habits usually use the dictionary form or ~te iru form.
毎月一回に... → 毎月一回...
Again, adding 'ni' where it's not needed. 'Ikkai' is a counter that doesn't need 'ni' here.

Tips

No Particle Needed

Don't put 'ni' after maitsuki. It's like 'every day' in English; you don't say 'in every day'.

The 'Tsuki' vs 'Getsu' Rule

If you are unsure, use 'maitsuki'. It's safer and less stiff than 'maigetsu' in most situations.

Watch the Mother

The kanji 毎 (every) looks like 母 (mother). Remember: Every mother has a hat in this word!

Subscription Economy

Use 'maitsuki' when talking about Netflix, Spotify, or gym memberships. It's the standard word for subscriptions.

Start Your Sentence

Place 'maitsuki' at the very beginning of your sentence to clearly establish the frequency of your action.

Formal Reading

If you are in a meeting, try to use 'maigetsu'. It sounds more professional and precise.

Monthly Magazines

Japan loves 'Monthly' publications. Look for the word 'Gekkanshi' (monthly magazine) which uses the same 'month' kanji.

Frequency Check

If you want to emphasize 'exactly once', use 'ikkagetsu ni ichido'. If you want to talk about a habit, use 'maitsuki'.

Pitch Accent

Maitsuki has a flat pitch. Don't let your voice go up and down too much, or it might sound like a different word.

Compound Words

When combining with other kanji like 'end' (末), it usually becomes 'maigetsu-matsu'. Learn these as set blocks.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'MY TSUKI'. The moon (Tsuki) is 'MY' favorite thing to see EVERY month.

Visual Association

Imagine a calendar where every single page has a giant smiley face on it, representing 'every month'.

Word Web

Calendar Rent Magazine Salary Moon Cycle Habit Schedule

Challenge

Try to list three things you do 'Maitsuki' using only Japanese verbs.

Word Origin

The word is a combination of 'Mai' (every) and 'Getsu/Tsuki' (month). 'Mai' originally depicted a person with an ornate hairstyle, signifying 'each' or 'always'. 'Tsuki' comes from the shape of a crescent moon.

Original meaning: Each moon cycle.

Sino-Japanese (Kango) for 'Maigetsu', Hybrid for 'Maitsuki'.

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; this is a neutral time-related word.

In English, we often say 'monthly' or 'once a month', but 'maitsuki' is used more often as a simple adverb in Japanese.

Monthly Shonen Jump (magazine) Monthly Afternoon (magazine) Monthly Comic Alive

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Paying Bills

毎月の支払い
家賃を払う
電気代
自動引き落とし

Hobbies

毎月一回
教室に通う
雑誌を買う
映画を見る

Work

毎月の報告書
会議
目標を達成する
給料日

Health

毎月のチェック
ジムに行く
薬を飲む
体重を量る

Social

毎月の飲み会
友達に会う
実家に帰る
手紙を書く

Conversation Starters

"毎月、どんな雑誌を読んでいますか？ (What magazines do you read every month?)"

"毎月、自分へのご褒美に何を買いますか？ (What do you buy as a treat for yourself every month?)"

"毎月の楽しみは何ですか？ (What is your monthly highlight?)"

"毎月、貯金はどのくらいしていますか？ (How much do you save every month?)"

"毎月、一回は必ず行く場所はどこですか？ (Where is one place you definitely go every month?)"

Journal Prompts

毎月のルーティンについて詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about your monthly routine.)

毎月の目標を達成するために、どのような工夫をしていますか？ (What kind of efforts do you make to achieve your monthly goals?)

毎月の家計管理で気をつけていることは何ですか？ (What do you pay attention to in your monthly household budget management?)

毎月、新しく始めたい習慣はありますか？ (Is there a habit you want to start every month?)

毎月の変化（季節や気持ち）を記録してください。 (Record monthly changes, such as seasons or feelings.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Both are correct. Maitsuki is more common in daily life, while maigetsu is preferred in formal or business settings. You can use maitsuki for 99% of casual conversations.

No, you should not add 'ni'. Maitsuki is a time adverb that functions on its own. For example: 'Maitsuki ikimasu' (I go every month).

You can say 'Maitsuki ikkai' or 'Ikkagetsu ni ichido'. Both are very common.

No, 'this month' is 'kongetsu'. Maitsuki specifically means 'every month'.

The kanji is 毎月. 毎 (every) + 月 (month).

You say 'maitsuki no yachin' or 'tsukizuki no yachin'.

Yes, but in very formal writing or news, 'maigetsu' is often the chosen reading.

Maitsuki means 'every month', while maishu means 'every week'.

No, it specifically means 'each single month'.

Yes, saying it twice adds emphasis, similar to 'month after month' in English, often implying something is repetitive or tiring.