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A1 noun #3,940 most common 10 min read

何度

nando Top 3,940

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 何度 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 何度 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners focus on the most basic and literal uses of 'nando.' The primary goal is to ask 'how many times' (frequency) and 'what degree' (temperature). Students learn to form simple questions like 'Nando ikimashita ka?' (How many times did you go?) and 'Kyou wa nando desu ka?' (What temperature is it today?). At this stage, the emphasis is on recognizing 'nando' as a question word and responding with a number followed by the counter 'do.' It's important for A1 learners to distinguish 'nando' from other question words like 'itsu' (when) or 'doko' (where). The focus is on immediate, concrete surroundings—weather, basic habits, and simple requests for information. Grammar is kept simple, usually ending in the polite 'desu' or 'masu' forms.

At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'nando' in slightly more complex social situations. They move beyond simple questions to using 'nando mo' (many times) and 'nando ka' (several times) to describe their experiences. For example, 'Nando mo Nihon-shoku o tabemashita' (I have eaten Japanese food many times). A2 students also learn to use 'nando' in the context of health, such as describing a fever: 'Netsu ga nando arimasu ka?' (What is your temperature/fever?). They start to understand the difference between 'nando' and 'nankai' in common phrases. The vocabulary expands to include common collocations like 'nando mo kiku' (hear many times) or 'nando mo miru' (see many times), allowing for more descriptive storytelling about past events.

At the B1 level, the use of 'nando' becomes more nuanced and integrated into complex sentence structures. Learners start using 'nando demo' (any number of times) to express persistence or permission, such as 'Nando demo renshu shite kudasai' (Please practice as many times as you like). They also encounter 'nando' in relative clauses and conditional sentences. For instance, 'Nando yonde mo wakarimasen' (No matter how many times I read it, I don't understand). This 'no matter how many times' structure (nando...te mo) is a key B1 grammar point. Learners are expected to handle abstract discussions where 'nando' might refer to frequency of thoughts or recurring problems, moving away from purely physical counts or temperature readings.

At the B2 level, students use 'nando' with greater rhetorical flair and precision. They understand how 'nando' can be used to express frustration or emphasis in a more sophisticated way. For example, 'Nando ieba wakaru no?' (How many times do I have to say it before you understand?). They also become comfortable with 'nando' in formal reports or academic settings, discussing 'nando' in terms of statistical frequency or precise scientific degrees. B2 learners can distinguish between 'nando' and more formal synonyms like 'shiba-shiba' or 'hinpan ni' and choose the appropriate one based on the social register. They also begin to recognize 'nando' in literature and news media, where it may be used to create a sense of scale or repetition in a narrative.

At the C1 level, learners possess a deep, intuitive grasp of 'nando' across all its idiomatic and metaphorical uses. They can use it in high-level business negotiations, academic presentations, and nuanced social interactions. C1 speakers might use 'nando' in complex rhetorical questions to persuade or challenge an audience. They are also adept at using 'nando' in conjunction with advanced grammar to express subtle shades of meaning, such as 'Nando to naku' (countless times/many a time), which adds a more literary or sophisticated tone than the basic 'nando mo.' They can appreciate the use of 'nando' in classical or semi-formal Japanese literature, where the repetition of the 'do' counter might be used for rhythmic or stylistic effect.

At the C2 level, the learner's use of 'nando' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. They can manipulate the word to suit any possible context, from the most technical scientific paper to the most evocative poetry. They understand the historical evolution of the kanji '度' and how its various meanings (degree, limit, occurrence) converge in the word 'nando.' C2 speakers can use 'nando' to discuss philosophical concepts of recurrence and time. They are also masters of the social nuances, knowing exactly when 'nando' carries a hidden emotional subtext or when it is being used as a polite euphemism. Their command of 'nando' allows them to contribute to Japanese discourse at the highest levels of professional and cultural life.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

何度 in 30 Seconds

Nando is the go-to word for asking 'How many times?' or 'What temperature?' in Japanese.
It is formed by 'Nan' (What) and 'Do' (Degree/Time), making it easy to remember.
Add 'mo' (nando mo) for 'many times' or 'ka' (nando ka) for 'several times.'
It is essential for weather talk, health (fevers), and sharing your life experiences.

The Japanese word 何度 (nando) is a versatile interrogative noun that serves as the primary way to ask 'how many times' or 'what degree.' At its core, it is a compound of two kanji: 何 (nan/nani), meaning 'what,' and 度 (do), which is a counter for occurrences, degrees of temperature, and geometric angles. Understanding nando is fundamental for any beginner because it allows you to inquire about frequency, environmental conditions, and mathematical measurements all with a single term.

Frequency Inquiry: When asking how many times an action has been repeated, nando is used. For example, 'How many times have you been to Japan?' would use nando. While nankai (何回) is a close synonym, nando often feels slightly more integrated into set phrases and can carry a more emotional or rhetorical weight in specific contexts.
Temperature Measurement: In the context of weather or cooking, nando is the standard way to ask 'What temperature is it?' or 'How many degrees?'. Because Japan uses the Celsius scale, the answer will typically be followed by 'do' (degrees). This dual usage makes it a high-frequency word in daily conversation.

今日は最高気温が何度ですか？ (Kyou wa saikou kion ga nando desu ka? - What is the maximum temperature today?)

Beyond simple questions, nando appears in various grammatical structures. When combined with the particle mo (も), it becomes nando mo, meaning 'many times' or 'repeatedly.' This is a common way to emphasize that something happens frequently. Conversely, nando ka means 'a few times' or 'several times.' These variations are essential for expressing nuances of frequency beyond a binary 'yes/no' or a specific number.

何度も言いましたが、彼は来ません。 (Nando mo iimashita ga, kare wa kimasen. - I told you many times, but he isn't coming.)

Geometric Context: In a classroom or technical setting, nando is used to ask about the measure of an angle. 'This angle is how many degrees?' would be 'Kono kaku wa nando desu ka?'. This demonstrates the word's versatility across physical, temporal, and abstract dimensions.

In summary, nando is a 'Swiss Army knife' word. Whether you are checking the oven temperature, checking the weather forecast, asking a friend about their travel history, or expressing your annoyance at a repeated mistake, this word provides the necessary linguistic framework. Its simplicity belies its deep integration into the Japanese language's spatial and temporal logic.

Using 何度 (nando) correctly requires understanding its position within a sentence and the particles that typically follow it. As an interrogative, it often appears near the beginning of the predicate or immediately before the verb it modifies. However, its meaning shifts significantly depending on the particles attached to it, such as mo, ka, or demo.

Basic Question Pattern: To ask a simple 'how many times' or 'how many degrees' question, place nando before the verb and end with the question particle ka. Example: 'Nando ikimashita ka?' (How many times did you go?). In temperature contexts, it often takes the form: '[Subject] wa nando desu ka?' (How many degrees is [Subject]?).

その映画を何度見ましたか？ (Sono eiga o nando mimashita ka? - How many times did you watch that movie?)

When you want to emphasize a large frequency, you use nando mo. This functions as an adverbial phrase. It is frequently paired with verbs like 'iu' (to say), 'kiku' (to hear/ask), or 'miru' (to see). It conveys a sense of repetition that is more than expected. For instance, 'Nando mo renshu shimashita' (I practiced many times) suggests a level of dedication or necessity.

成功するまで、何度でも挑戦します。 (Seikou suru made, nando demo chousen shimasu. - I will try as many times as it takes until I succeed.)

The 'Nando ka' Particle: Adding ka creates an indefinite pronoun. Nando ka means 'several times' or 'once or twice.' It is less precise than a specific number but more than 'once.' Example: 'Nando ka kare ni aimashita' (I met him several times).

In formal writing or news reports, nando is used precisely for data. You will hear it in weather reports: 'Asu no kion wa nando made agarimasu' (Tomorrow's temperature will rise to [X] degrees). Here, nando acts as a placeholder for the numerical value being discussed. Even in highly technical manuals, nando remains the standard interrogative for degree-based measurements.

体温は何度ありますか？ (Taion wa nando arimasu ka? - What is your body temperature?)

Mastering the use of nando involves recognizing whether you are dealing with a direct question, an indefinite amount, or an emphatic statement. By paying attention to the particles that follow, you can easily navigate these different meanings in both spoken and written Japanese.

You will encounter 何度 (nando) in almost every facet of Japanese life, from the mundane to the professional. Its prevalence in daily conversation makes it one of the 'survival' words for any traveler or student. Let's look at the most common environments where this word is spoken.

Weather Forecasts (Tenki Yohou): Every morning, news anchors use nando to discuss the day's outlook. You'll hear 'Saikou kion wa nando?' (What is the high?) and 'Saitei kion wa nando?' (What is the low?). Because Japan's climate varies wildly between seasons, temperature is a constant topic of small talk, and nando is the key word for these interactions.
The Kitchen and Restaurants: When following a recipe or asking a chef about cooking techniques, nando is used for oven settings or oil temperatures. 'Abura wa nando desu ka?' (What temperature is the oil?). It's also used when adjusting the air conditioning in a restaurant: 'Reibou wa nando ni settei shimasu ka?' (What degree shall I set the cooling to?).

オーブンを何度に予熱すればいいですか？ (Oobun o nando ni yonetsu sureba ii desu ka? - To what temperature should I preheat the oven?)

In the workplace, nando is used to discuss frequency of meetings or project iterations. A manager might ask, 'Nando kurai kaigi o shimashita ka?' (About how many times did you have a meeting?). It is also common in customer service. If a customer has called multiple times about an issue, the staff might say, 'Nando mo o-denwa itadaki, moushiwake gozaimasen' (We apologize for having you call us many times).

何度も確認したのに、ミスがありました。 (Nando mo kakunin shita noni, misu ga arimashita. - Despite checking many times, there was a mistake.)

Pop Culture and Music: Japanese song lyrics frequently use nando mo or nando demo to express eternal love or persistence. Phrases like 'Nando mo namae o yobu yo' (I'll call your name many times) or 'Nando demo tachiagaru' (I'll stand up as many times as it takes) are staples of J-Pop and Anime soundtracks, emphasizing resilience and devotion.

From the clinical setting of a doctor asking about a fever to the poetic heights of a love song, nando is a thread that runs through the fabric of Japanese communication. Its presence helps define the boundaries of quantity and intensity in everyday life.

While 何度 (nando) seems straightforward, English speakers often make specific errors when translating 'how many times' or 'how many degrees' literally from English. Understanding these pitfalls will make your Japanese sound much more natural.

Nando vs. Nankai: The biggest confusion is between nando and nankai (何回). Both mean 'how many times.' Generally, nankai is more objective and common for simple counting of physical actions (e.g., 'How many times did you jump?'). Nando is often used for experiences or in set phrases. Using nankai for temperature is a major mistake; you must use nando for degrees.
Confusing Temperature Scales: When an English speaker asks 'Nando desu ka?' in Japan, the answer will be in Celsius. A common mistake is not specifying the scale if you are used to Fahrenheit. While the word nando is the same, the numerical context is different. However, in Japanese, Sesshi (Celsius) is assumed unless Kashi (Fahrenheit) is explicitly stated.

❌ 何回ですか？ (Used for temperature)
✅ 何度ですか？ (What is the temperature?)

Another error involves the particle usage with nando mo. Some learners try to say 'nando mo ni' or 'nando mo o,' but nando mo acts as an adverb and usually doesn't need an extra case particle when modifying a verb. Similarly, 'Nando ka' shouldn't be confused with 'Nan-dai' (used for machines) or 'Nan-nin' (used for people).

❌ 何度もを読みました。 (Incorrect particle)
✅ 何度も読みました。 (I read it many times.)

Overusing 'Nando mo': While 'nando mo' is common, overusing it in a single conversation can sound repetitive or overly dramatic. If you just want to say 'often,' words like yoku or shiba-shiba might be more appropriate depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Finally, remember that nando is specifically for 'how many.' If you want to say 'how many degrees' in a comparative sense (e.g., 'How many degrees hotter?'), you might need additional structures like 'nando kurai chigaimasu ka?'. Precision in how you frame the question helps avoid confusion in technical discussions.

To truly master Japanese, you need to know when to use 何度 (nando) and when a synonym might be better suited for the context. Here is a breakdown of similar words and how they differ from nando.

何回 (Nankai): Difference: While both mean 'how many times,' nankai is more focused on the numerical count of repetitive actions. Nando is often used for experiences or in more emotional/idiomatic contexts. Nankai cannot be used for temperature or angles.
頻繁に (Hinpan ni): Difference: This is an adverb meaning 'frequently.' While nando mo describes the fact that something happened many times, hinpan ni describes the high frequency of the occurrence. It is more formal and often used in writing or business.

彼は頻繁に遅刻します。 (Kare wa hinpan ni chikoku shimasu. - He is frequently late.) vs. 何度も遅刻しました。 (He has been late many times.)

In the context of temperature, kion (air temperature) and taion (body temperature) are the nouns usually associated with nando. If you want to talk about 'intensity' rather than 'degrees,' you might use dono kurai (to what extent). For example, 'Dono kurai atsui desu ka?' (How hot is it?) asks for a qualitative description, whereas 'Nando desu ka?' asks for a specific number.

角度は何度ですか？ (Kakudo wa nando desu ka? - What is the angle in degrees?)

度々 (Tabi-tabi): Difference: This means 'often' or 'repeatedly' and is more polite/formal than nando mo. It is commonly used in apologies: 'Tabi-tabi sumimasen' (Sorry to bother you again and again).

Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the word that fits the 'vibe' of your conversation. Whether you need the precision of nando for a thermometer or the emphasis of nando mo for a story about your travels, having these alternatives in your vocabulary will significantly enhance your Japanese proficiency.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji '度' originally depicted a hand measuring something with a tool, which is why it applies to both time and physical degrees.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /næn.doʊ/

US /nɑːn.doʊ/

The stress is equal on both syllables, but often the 'nan' is slightly emphasized in questions.

Rhymes With

Ando Kando Sando Bando

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'do' like 'doo' (as in 'do' a job). It should be a short 'o' sound.
Over-nasalizing the 'n' in 'nan'.
Misplacing the pitch accent, making it sound like a different word.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The kanji are very basic (JLPT N5 level).

Writing 2/5

The kanji for 'do' (度) has a few more strokes but is still basic.

Speaking 1/5

Easy to pronounce and very useful.

Listening 1/5

Clear sounds and distinct context make it easy to hear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

何 (nan) 度 (do) 回 (kai) 暑い (atsui) 寒い (samui)

Learn Next

温度 (ondo) 気温 (kion) 頻繁に (hinpan ni) 回数 (kaisuu) 程度 (teido)

Advanced

幾度 (ikudo) 度重なる (tabikasanaru) 頻度 (hindo) 緯度 (ido) 経度 (keido)

Grammar to Know

Interrogative + mo (何〜も)

何度も (Many times)

Interrogative + ka (何〜か)

何度か (Several times)

Interrogative + demo (何〜でも)

何度でも (Any number of times)

Te-form + mo (〜ても)

何度聞いても (No matter how many times I hear...)

Ordinal Counter (〜目)

何度目 (Which time in a sequence)

Examples by Level

今日は何度ですか？

What is the temperature today?

Simple question using 'nando' + 'desu ka'.

日本に何度行きましたか？

How many times did you go to Japan?

Asking about frequency of a past action.

この角は何度ですか？

How many degrees is this angle?

'Nando' used for geometric degrees.

一日に何度食べますか？

How many times a day do you eat?

Asking about daily frequency.

体温は何度ですか？

What is your body temperature?

Standard way to ask about fever or health.

何度言いましたか？

How many times did you say it?

Basic frequency question with a verb.

お風呂は何度がいいですか？

What temperature would you like the bath to be?

Asking for a preference in degrees.

昨日は何度でしたか？

What was the temperature yesterday?

Past tense question about temperature.

何度かそのレストランへ行きました。

I have been to that restaurant several times.

'Nando ka' means 'several times' or 'a few times'.

何度も練習しました。

I practiced many times.

'Nando mo' emphasizes a high frequency.

冬の北海道は何度くらいですか？

About what temperature is Hokkaido in winter?

'Nando kurai' means 'about what degree'.

何度も同じ間違いをしました。

I made the same mistake many times.

Using 'nando mo' to describe a recurring error.

一週間に何度ジムに行きますか？

How many times a week do you go to the gym?

Asking about frequency within a specific time period.

何度か彼に電話しましたが、出ませんでした。

I called him several times, but he didn't answer.

Using 'nando ka' in a compound sentence.

この薬は一日に何度飲みますか？

How many times a day do I take this medicine?

Medical context for frequency.

何度もすみません。

I'm sorry for bothering you many times.

A common polite apology for repeated contact.

何度読んでも、この文の意味がわかりません。

No matter how many times I read it, I don't understand the meaning of this sentence.

The 'nando...te mo' structure means 'no matter how many times'.

わからないときは、何度でも聞いてください。

When you don't understand, please ask as many times as you need.

'Nando demo' means 'any number of times'.

何度か話し合った結果、この案に決まりました。

As a result of discussing it several times, we decided on this plan.

Using 'nando ka' to describe a process.

彼は何度言っても、タバコを辞めません。

No matter how many times I tell him, he won't quit smoking.

Expressing frustration with 'nando...te mo'.

何度目かの挑戦で、やっと合格しました。

On my several-th attempt, I finally passed.

'Nando-me' refers to the 'which number' occurrence.

この映画は何度見ても飽きません。

No matter how many times I watch this movie, I never get tired of it.

Positive use of 'nando...te mo'.

何度か同じような経験をしたことがあります。

I have had similar experiences several times.

Describing past recurring experiences.

何度でもやり直すことができます。

You can start over as many times as you want.

'Nando demo' expressing limitless opportunity.

何度言ったらわかるんですか！

How many times do I have to tell you before you understand?!

A rhetorical question expressing strong exasperation.

気温が何度まで上がるか、予報を確認しましょう。

Let's check the forecast to see how high the temperature will rise.

Using 'nando' in an embedded question.

彼は何度も危機を乗り越えてきました。

He has overcome crises many times.

Describing life experiences with 'nando mo'.

何度となく彼に助けられました。

I have been helped by him countless times.

'Nando to naku' is a more advanced version of 'nando mo'.

何度失敗しても、諦めるつもりはありません。

No matter how many times I fail, I have no intention of giving up.

Strong determination using 'nando...te mo'.

一日に何度くらいそのサイトをチェックしますか？

About how many times a day do you check that site?

Asking for an estimate of high-frequency behavior.

何度かに分けて、荷物を運びました。

I moved the luggage in several trips.

'Nando ka ni wakete' means 'splitting into several times'.

この素材は何度の熱まで耐えられますか？

Up to how many degrees of heat can this material withstand?

Technical use of 'nando' for heat resistance.

歴史は何度となく繰り返されるものです。

History is something that repeats itself many a time.

Literary/Philosophical use of 'nando to naku'.

何度彼に説得を試みたことか、数え切れません。

I cannot count how many times I tried to persuade him.

'Nando...koto ka' emphasizes the great number of times.

この問題は、何度議論しても平行線のままです。

No matter how many times we discuss this problem, we remain at a stalemate.

Using 'nando...te mo' with an idiomatic expression (heikousen).

何度目かの正直で、ようやくプロジェクトが始動した。

After several attempts, the project finally got underway (Third time's the charm).

Play on the proverb 'sandome no shoujiki'.

幾度（何度）となく困難に直面しながらも、彼は歩みを止めなかった。

Despite facing difficulties countless times, he did not stop his progress.

'Ikudo' is a more formal version of 'nando'.

その美しさに、何度言葉を失ったことだろう。

I wonder how many times I was left speechless by that beauty.

Poetic/Exclamatory use of 'nando...koto darou'.

何度足を運んでも、新しい発見がある街だ。

No matter how many times you visit, it's a town where there are always new discoveries.

'Ashi o hakobu' (to visit) paired with 'nando...te mo'.

この実験は、何度やっても同じ結果が得られない。

No matter how many times I perform this experiment, I can't get the same result.

Expressing inconsistency in a scientific context.

人類は何度、同じ過ちを繰り返せば気が済むのだろうか。

How many times must humanity repeat the same mistakes before they are satisfied?

Deeply rhetorical and philosophical inquiry.

その理論の矛盾は、何度精査しても拭い去れなかった。

No matter how many times the contradictions in the theory were scrutinized, they could not be erased.

High-level academic vocabulary (seisa, nuguu).

何度となく繰り返される波の音に、無常を感じる。

I feel the impermanence of things in the sound of the waves repeating countless times.

Linking 'nando' to the Buddhist concept of 'mujou' (impermanence).

幾度（何度）の変遷を経て、現在の形に至った。

Through many transitions, it reached its current form.

Formal historical description.

何度となく夢に見た光景が、今、目の前にある。

The scene I've seen in my dreams countless times is now before my eyes.

Evocative use of 'nando to naku'.

何度失敗しようとも、その志が揺らぐことはなかった。

No matter how many times he might fail, his resolve never wavered.

Use of the volitional form + 'tomo' for 'no matter how...'

彼の沈黙は、何度問いかけても破られることはなかった。

His silence was never broken, no matter how many times he was questioned.

Metaphorical use in a narrative context.

何度となく交わされた約束も、今では空虚に響く。

The promises exchanged countless times now ring hollow.

Expressing disillusionment through repetition.

Synonyms

何回幾度回数頻繁度々

Antonyms

一度も〜ない皆無

Common Collocations

何度かある

何度も言う

最高気温が何度

何度でもいい

何度目かの

何度となく

角度が何度

体温が何度

何度聞いても

何度か試す

Common Phrases

何度でも

— As many times as one likes; again and again without limit.

何度でもやり直せます。

何度か

— Several times; a few times. Not a specific number.

何度か彼に会った。

何度も

— Many times; repeatedly. Emphasizes high frequency.

何度も読みました。

何度目？

— Which time is this? (Asking for the sequence number).

日本は何度目ですか？

今何度？

— What is the temperature now? (Often used for weather).

外は今何度？

何度言ったらわかるの？

— How many times do I have to tell you? (Rhetorical frustration).

何度言ったらわかるの！

何度となく

— Countless times; many a time (more literary).

何度となく助けられた。

何度くらい

— About how many times/degrees? (Asking for an estimate).

何度くらいありますか？

何度でも来てください

— Please come as often as you like.

お店に何度でも来てください。

何度見てもいい

— Good no matter how many times you watch it.

この映画は何度見てもいい。

Often Confused With

何度 vs 何回 (Nankai)

Nankai is for counting physical repetitions. Nando is for experiences and temperature.

何度 vs 何時 (Itsu/Nanji)

Don't confuse 'how many times' (nando) with 'what time' (nanji) or 'when' (itsu).

何度 vs 何度か (Nandoka)

Ensure you don't confuse the question 'nando' with the indefinite 'nandoka' (several times).

Idioms & Expressions

"何度目かの正直"

— A variation of 'sandome no shoujiki' (third time's the charm), implying success after several attempts.

何度目かの正直で成功した。

Common

"何度となく"

— Used to describe something that happens so often it feels uncountable.

何度となく壁にぶつかった。

Literary

"何度言っても馬の耳に念仏"

— No matter how many times you tell them, it's like praying to a horse's ear (it goes ignored).

彼には何度言っても馬の耳に念仏だ。

Idiomatic

Easily Confused

何度 vs 何回 (Nankai)

Both mean 'how many times.'

Nankai is more literal and used for physical counts. Nando is used for temperature, angles, and more abstract/emotional frequency.

このボタンを何回押しましたか？ (How many times did you press this button?)

何度 vs 何度か (Nando ka)

Sounds like the question form.

Nando ka is an indefinite pronoun meaning 'a few times,' whereas Nando? is a direct question.

何度か行きました。 (I went a few times.)

何度 vs 温度 (Ondo)

Both relate to temperature.

Ondo is the noun 'temperature.' Nando is the interrogative 'how many degrees.'

温度を測ります。 (I will measure the temperature.)

何度 vs 程度 (Teido)

Contains the same kanji 'do' (度).

Teido means 'degree' or 'extent' in a qualitative sense, not a countable one.

どの程度の大きさですか？ (To what extent is the size?)

何度 vs 頻度 (Hindo)

Relates to frequency.

Hindo is the formal noun for 'frequency.' Nando is used to ask about it.

頻度が高い。 (The frequency is high.)

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] は何度ですか？

今日は何度ですか？

何度 [Verb-masu] か？

何度行きましたか？

何度か [Verb-masu]。

何度か読みました。

何度も [Verb-masu]。

何度も練習しました。

何度 [Verb-te] も [Verb]。

何度聞いてもわかりません。

何度でも [Verb-te] ください。

何度でも食べてください。

何度目かの [Noun]。

何度目かの挑戦です。

何度となく [Verb]。

何度となく繰り返された。

Word Family

Nouns

度 (do) - degree/time

回数 (kaisuu) - frequency/number of times

温度 (ondo) - temperature

角度 (kakudo) - angle

何回 (nankai)

幾度 (ikudo)

度合い (doai)

程度 (teido)

頻度 (hindo)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation.

Common Mistakes

Using 'nankai' for temperature. → Nando
Nankai is only for frequency. Temperature must use nando.
Saying 'nando mo o mita.' → Nando mo mita.
Nando mo acts as an adverb; you don't need the object particle 'o' immediately after it.
Confusing 'nando' with 'nan-ji'. → Nando (times) / Nan-ji (clock time)
Learners often mix up 'how many times' with 'what time.'
Using 'nando' to count people. → Nan-nin
Nando is only for degrees/times, not people or objects.
Forgetting the 'ka' in 'nando ka'. → Nando ka (a few times)
Without 'ka,' it becomes a question 'how many times?'.

Tips

Temperature Talk

Always use 'nando' when talking about weather or cooking. 'Nankai' will not be understood in this context.

Adding Particles

Remember: Nando + mo = Many times. Nando + ka = Several times. Nando + demo = Any number of times.

Politeness

When apologizing for repeated contact, 'Nando mo sumimasen' is a very natural and useful phrase.

News Context

In weather reports, listen for 'nando' followed by 'yosou' (forecasted) to know the expected temperature.

Emphasis

Stretch the 'nan' slightly in 'nando mo' to emphasize just how many times you've done something.

Kanji Practice

The kanji 度 is also used in 'ondo' (temperature) and 'teido' (degree), so learning it with 'nando' is efficient.

Icebreaker

Asking 'Nando-me no Nihon desu ka?' is a perfect way to start a conversation with a traveler.

Frustration

Be careful with your tone. 'Nando mo!' with a sharp stop can sound very annoyed.

Nando vs. Ikudo

Stick to 'nando' for speaking. 'Ikudo' is mostly for songs, poetry, or very formal writing.

The 'Do' Counter

Associate 'do' with 'degrees.' It works for temperature degrees, angle degrees, and 'degrees' of frequency.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Nan' (What) and 'Do' (Degrees). 'What Degrees?' covers both the heat and how many times you've done something.

Visual Association

Imagine a thermometer and a calendar side-by-side. Both use 'nando' to ask about their numbers.

Word Web

Temperature Frequency Angles Repetition Questions Measurement Celsius Counting

Challenge

Try to use 'nando mo' and 'nando ka' in a single paragraph about your favorite hobby.

Word Origin

The word is a combination of 'nan' (何), which has roots in Old Japanese as an interrogative, and 'do' (度), a kanji imported from Chinese meaning 'measure' or 'degree.'

Original meaning: What measure / What degree.

Japonic / Sino-Japanese compound.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'Nando mo' in a work context, as it can sound like you are complaining about a repetitive task if the tone is wrong.

English uses 'how many times' for frequency and 'what temperature' for weather. Japanese combines these into 'nando.'

The song 'Nando demo' by Dreams Come True. Anime characters often shout 'Nando demo tachiagaru!' (I'll stand up as many times as it takes!) Weather reports on NHK.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather

今日の気温は何度？
最高気温は何度ですか？
マイナス何度ですか？
何度まで上がりますか？

Travel

日本は何度目ですか？
何度か行ったことがあります。
何度も行きたいです。
一年に何度旅行しますか？

Cooking

オーブンは何度ですか？
何度で焼きますか？
油は何度がいいですか？
何度まで冷やしますか？

Health

体温は何度ですか？
熱が何度ありますか？
一日に何度飲みますか？
何度測りましたか？

Learning

何度も練習しました。
何度聞いてもわかりません。
何度でも聞いてください。
何度目かのテストです。

Conversation Starters

"日本に来るのは何度目ですか？ (Is this your first time in Japan?)"

"今日は何度くらいになると思いますか？ (How many degrees do you think it will be today?)"

"その映画、何度見ましたか？ (How many times have you seen that movie?)"

"一日に何度コーヒーを飲みますか？ (How many times a day do you drink coffee?)"

"何度かその場所に行ったことがありますか？ (Have you been to that place several times?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、何度「ありがとう」と言いましたか？ (How many times did you say 'thank you' today?)

あなたの街の今日の気温は何度でしたか？ (What was the temperature in your city today?)

何度も諦めそうになったことはありますか？ (Have you ever felt like giving up many times?)

何度でもやり直したい過去の出来事はありますか？ (Is there a past event you want to redo as many times as possible?)

一日に何度スマホをチェックしますか？ (How many times a day do you check your smartphone?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'nando' just means 'how many degrees.' However, in Japan, Celsius is the default. If you mean Fahrenheit, you should say 'Kashi nando' (華氏何度).

Use 'nando' for temperature and angles. For 'how many times,' they are often interchangeable, but 'nankai' is more common for physical counting (e.g., jumping) and 'nando' for experiences (e.g., traveling).

Yes, it is neutral and can be used in polite speech. However, in very formal situations, 'tabitabi' or 'saisan' might be used instead.

Use 'nando ka.' For example: 'Nando ka kankoku ni ikimashita' (I've been to Korea a few times).

Use 'nando demo.' For example: 'Nando demo mite kudasai' (Please watch it as many times as you like).

Not usually, as the context clarifies which one is meant. But technically, the word itself is identical for both.

Yes, it is written as 何度. '何' means 'what' and '度' means 'degree/time.'

It means 'which time' in a sequence. 'Nando-me no Nihon desu ka?' means 'Which visit to Japan is this for you?'

No, for people use 'nannin' (何人). 'Nando' is strictly for times/degrees.

Yes, it is one of the most basic interrogatives learned at the start of Japanese studies (JLPT N5 / CEFR A1).