Meaning and Usage
"今回" (こんかい) means "this time" or "the current occasion." It is commonly used to refer to the present event or situation, often contrasting with past or future ones. It can also imply a special or unique occurrence.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "今回" in formal or semi-formal settings such as meetings, exams, announcements, or when emphasizing the particularity of the current instance.
Collocations and Patterns
- 今回の + noun: Refers to "this time's" something, e.g., 今回の試験 (this time's exam).
- 今回だけ: "only this time," used to emphasize exception or special permission.
- 今回は: "this time," often to introduce a topic or contrast with previous times.
Usage Tips
"今回" is more formal than just saying "今" (now) or "この間" (recently). It is often used in written or polite spoken Japanese. Avoid confusing it with "今度" which can mean "next time" or "this time" depending on context, but "今回" is more specific to the current occasion.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "今回" with "今度." Remember, "今回" always points to the current or immediate event, while "今度" can refer to a future event or a vague time frame.