Translation and Meaning of: 今回 - konkai

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 今回[こんかい]. It is quite common in everyday life and appears in various contexts, from informal conversations to more formal texts. In this article, we will explore the meaning, uses, and some interesting facts about this expression, as well as understand how it fits into Japanese culture.

The term 今回 is composed of two kanji: 今 (now, current) and 回 (time, occasion). Together, they convey the idea of "this time" or "on this occasion." But is that all? Let's find out how this word is used in practice and what makes it so versatile in the Japanese language.

Meaning and usage of 今回

今回 is a word that indicates something related to the present moment or a specific occasion being discussed. In English, it can be translated as "this time," "on this occasion," or even "now." For example, if someone says "今回のイベントは楽しかった" (konkai no ibento wa tanoshikatta), it means "This time's event was fun."

The use of 今回 is more common in situations where there is an implicit or explicit comparison with other occasions. It helps to highlight that something is specific to that moment, whether it be an event, a decision, or a circumstance. For this reason, it is frequent in everyday conversations, work meetings, and even in public announcements.

Origin and structure of 今回

The origin of 今回 is directly linked to the combination of the kanji 今 (ima - now) and 回 (kai - time, occasion). This construction is relatively simple and follows a common logic in Japanese, where are formed by the union of ideograms that together convey a more specific meaning.

It's worth noting that 回 also appears in other words, such as 前回 (zenkai – last time) and 次回 (jikai – next time), forming a family of expressions that help situate events in time. This relationship between the facilitates the memorization and understanding of Japanese vocabulary.

Tips to memorize and use 今回

An effective way to fix 今回 in memory is to associate it with concrete situations. For example, think of a series of events you attend, such as meetings with friends or work meetings. Whenever you participate in one of them, try to use the word in sentences like "今回の会議は重要だ" (konkai no kaigi wa juuyou da – "This meeting is important").

Another tip is to observe the use of 今回 in animes, dramas, or Japanese news. Often, it appears in contexts where there is a contrast between what happened before and what is occurring now. This natural exposure to the term helps to internalize its meaning and application.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 今度 (kondo) - Next time, the next time
• このたび (konotabi) - This time, on this occasion
• 今度の (kondo no) - Next, regarding the next time
• 今度は (kondo wa) - Next time (emphasizing next time)
• 今回の (konkai no) - Regarding this occasion, this time
• 今回は (konkai wa) - This time (emphasizing the current occasion)