To do or say something again, either intentionally or as a recurring event.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To do the same thing again.
- To repeat words or actions.
- Used for both intentional and unintentional repetition.
Overview
- 1概要：『繰り返す』は、一度行ったことをもう一度行う、あるいは同じことが何度も生じるという、時間的な反復を表す動詞です。単純な動作だけでなく、歴史的な出来事や、言葉の反復など、幅広い文脈で使用されます。2) 使用パターン：目的語を伴う他動詞として使う場合（例：練習を繰り返す）と、自動詞的に事象が反復される場合（例：過ちが繰り返される）の両方があります。文法的には「〜を繰り返す」という形が最も一般的です。3) 一般的な文脈：学習やスポーツの練習、失敗の再発、歴史的な教訓、あるいは単に同じ言葉を何度も言う時など、日常からビジネスまで多用されます。4) 類語との比較：『反復する』はより硬い表現で、学術的・専門的な文脈で好まれます。『やり直す』は失敗を修正するために最初から行うという意味が強く、『繰り返す』には「修正」というニュアンスは必須ではありません。
Examples
同じ間違いを繰り返さないようにします。
everydayI will try not to repeat the same mistake.
歴史は繰り返すと言われています。
formalIt is said that history repeats itself.
彼は何度も同じ話を繰り返した。
informalHe repeated the same story many times.
実験を繰り返し、データを検証した。
academicWe repeated the experiment and verified the data.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
歴史は繰り返す
History repeats itself
繰り返しになるが
To repeat myself, but...
繰り返し言う
To say repeatedly
Often Confused With
This is a more formal or technical version of '繰り返す'. It is rarely used in casual conversation.
This implies starting over from the beginning because the first attempt was not successful.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is neutral and can be used in almost any register. It is the standard term for repetition. In formal settings, '反復' might be used, but '繰り返す' remains perfectly acceptable.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it when they actually mean 'redo' (やり直す) to fix a mistake. Also, ensure the particle 'を' is used correctly with the object being repeated. It is not used for 'repeating a grade' in school, which uses '留年'.
Tips
Use with frequency adverbs
Pairing '繰り返す' with words like '何度も' (many times) or 'しつこく' (persistently) adds emphasis to the duration or intensity of the repetition.
Don't confuse with correction
Remember that '繰り返す' doesn't necessarily mean 'fixing' a mistake. If you want to emphasize improvement, use 'やり直す' instead.
Historical context in Japan
In Japanese society, the phrase '歴史は繰り返す' (history repeats itself) is often used to warn people to learn from past mistakes.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb '繰る' (to wind/turn) and '返す' (to return). It literally means to turn something back to the beginning.
Cultural Context
The concept of repetition is highly valued in Japanese culture, especially in 'Shu-Ha-Ri' (learning through repetition). It is seen as the path to mastery in arts and crafts.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'loop' in music or video. 'Kuri-kaesu' is the act of creating that loop.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「繰り返す」は単に同じことをもう一度行うことを指しますが、「やり直す」は失敗したことを修正するために最初から行うというニュアンスが含まれます。
「繰り返す」は他動詞として使われることがほとんどです。しかし、受身形「繰り返される」を使うことで、事象が反復されるという自動詞的な意味を表現することもできます。
はい、丁寧な文脈でも問題なく使えます。「同じことを繰り返さないように注意します」のように、改善の意志を伝える際にもよく使われる表現です。
はい、「何度も繰り返す」とすることで、反復の頻度を強調することができます。非常に自然で一般的な表現です。
Test Yourself
失敗を___ことは、成長のために大切です。
失敗を修正して再挑戦するという文脈では「やり直す」が適切です。
次のうち、日常会話として自然なものはどれですか？
「繰り返す」は日常会話で最も自然な反復の表現です。
（練習を / 毎日 / 繰り返して / います）
時間詞は文頭または主語の後に置くのが自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
To do or say something again, either intentionally or as a recurring event.
- To do the same thing again.
- To repeat words or actions.
- Used for both intentional and unintentional repetition.
Use with frequency adverbs
Pairing '繰り返す' with words like '何度も' (many times) or 'しつこく' (persistently) adds emphasis to the duration or intensity of the repetition.
Don't confuse with correction
Remember that '繰り返す' doesn't necessarily mean 'fixing' a mistake. If you want to emphasize improvement, use 'やり直す' instead.
Historical context in Japan
In Japanese society, the phrase '歴史は繰り返す' (history repeats itself) is often used to warn people to learn from past mistakes.
Examples
4 of 4同じ間違いを繰り返さないようにします。
I will try not to repeat the same mistake.
歴史は繰り返すと言われています。
It is said that history repeats itself.
彼は何度も同じ話を繰り返した。
He repeated the same story many times.
実験を繰り返し、データを検証した。
We repeated the experiment and verified the data.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
加速
B2To increase speed or to cause a process or trend to happen faster. It can refer to physical speed or the rate of social/economic change.
一致
B2A state in which two or more things are the same, or people reach a common agreement.
該当
B1To fall under a certain category, rule, or condition; to correspond to something.
相応
B2Appropriate, suitable, or corresponding to a certain level, status, or ability. It is often used to describe costs or rewards that match the effort or quality.
出席
A1The act of being present at a specific event, meeting, class, or ceremony. It signifies that an individual has gone to a designated place to participate or observe as expected.
回避
B2The act of avoiding something unpleasant, dangerous, or difficult. It can refer to physical avoidance or avoiding a specific outcome or responsibility.
取消
A1The act of invalidating or withdrawing a previous decision, order, or agreement. It is commonly used to refer to cancellations of reservations, contracts, or legal statuses.
場合
A1The word 'baai' refers to a specific situation, case, or circumstance. It is frequently used as a noun to set a condition, similar to saying 'in the event of' or 'if' in English.
