Translation and Meaning of: 今度 - kondo

If you are learning Japanese, you may have already encountered the word 今度[こんど]. This expression is quite common in the daily lives of Japanese people, but its meaning can cause some confusion for those starting to study the language. In this article, we will explore what this word really means, how it is used in different contexts, and some curiosities about its usage in Japanese culture. If you want to understand once and for all how to use 今度 correctly, keep reading!

Meaning and use of 今度

The word 今度 can be translated in two main ways, depending on the context: "this time" or "next time." This duality may seem confusing, but in practice, the Japanese differentiate the meaning based on the situation. For example, if someone says "今度は頑張ります" (kondo wa ganbarimasu), it can mean both "This time I will do my best" and "Next time I will do my best."

To better understand, observe the verb tense of the sentence. If the action is already underway or has just happened, 今度 probably refers to the present or recent past. In conversations about future plans, it often indicates the next opportunity. This flexibility makes the word extremely useful in everyday dialogues.

Origin and composition of kanji

The writing of 今度 combines two interesting kanjis. The first, 今 (kon/ima), means "now" or "present." The second, 度 (do/tabi), can be translated as "time" or "occasion." Together, they form an idea that oscillates between the current moment and what is to come. This duality is at the very root of the word and explains why its meaning depends so much on the context.

It is worth noting that 度 appears in several other Japanese words related to time and frequency, such as 毎度 (maido - "every time") or 温度 (ondo - "temperature"). This connection helps to better understand how the Japanese conceptualize the age of time and different occasions.

Tips for using 今度 correctly

One of the best ways to master the use of 今度 is to pay attention to how natives employ it. In animes or dramas, for example, you may notice that the word frequently appears in invitations: "今度一緒に食事に行きませんか？" (Kondo issho ni shokuji ni ikimasen ka?) - "How about going out to eat together next time?". This type of construction is very common in social situations.

To avoid confusion, an effective strategy is to associate 今度 with temporal markers. If the sentence includes words like 来週 (raishuu - "next week") or 明日 (ashita - "tomorrow"), it is clear that the meaning is future. However, with expressions like 今回 (konkai - "this time"), the sense tends to be more immediate. With practice, this distinction becomes natural.