Two short Japanese words that cause consistent headaches for intermediate learners are 都度（つど） and 都合（つごう）. They share the same first character (都) and both appear in polite business and daily contexts, which makes them easy to confuse. But 都度 means “each time” or “on every occasion,” while 都合 refers to “convenience,” “circumstances,” or “scheduling.” Getting these wrong can lead to some awkward miscommunication.
YukaRei, my boss said 都合のいい日を教えてください. And then on the manual it said 都度確認してください. They start the same — are they related?
ReiThey share the kanji 都 but mean very different things! 都合のいい日 means “a day that is convenient for you” — it is about your schedule and circumstances. 都度 means “each time” — please check every time you do it. They are not related in meaning despite looking similar.
At a Glance
| 都度（つど） | 都合（つごう） | |
|---|---|---|
| Core meaning | Each time / every occasion | Convenience / circumstances / schedule |
| Part of speech | Noun (used adverbially) | Noun |
| Common in | Manuals, instructions, rules | Scheduling, polite requests, excuses |
| Common phrases | その都度、都度確認 | 都合がいい、都合が悪い、都合により |
| JLPT level | N2 | N3 |
都度（つど）— Every Single Time, Without Exception
都度（つど） means “each time” or “every occasion” — it emphasizes that something must happen or does happen every single time an event or action occurs. It is commonly used in formal instructions, policies, and rules to indicate that a process must be repeated without exception. The most natural usage is その都度 (sono tsudo = each time, on that occasion) or as part of rules like 都度確認する (confirm each time). It has a formal, rule-like register and is rarely heard in casual daily conversation.
Example 1
Japanese: パスワードは都度変更してください。
Romaji: Pasuwaado wa tsudo henkou shite kudasai.
English: Please change the password each time (you log in).
Example 2
Japanese: 問題が起きた場合、その都度上司に報告してください。
Romaji: Mondai ga okita baai, sono tsudo joushi ni houkoku shite kudasai.
English: If a problem occurs, please report it to your supervisor each time.
Example 3
Japanese: ご利用の都度、料金が発生します。
Romaji: Go-riyou no tsudo, ryoukin ga hassei shimasu.
English: A fee will be charged each time you use the service.
YukaSo 都度 is very formal and common in written rules and policies? Like “you must do X every time”?
ReiExactly. You will see it on signs, in contracts, and in company manuals. In spoken Japanese, people tend to say その都度 more naturally. The key is that it always means repetition — every single time, not just once.
都合（つごう）— The State of Your Schedule and Circumstances
都合（つごう） is a versatile noun that refers to whether something suits your situation, schedule, or circumstances. When something is 都合がいい (convenient, works for you), it fits your schedule or situation well. When it is 都合が悪い (inconvenient, does not work for you), there is a conflict. The formal phrase 都合により (due to circumstances) is used in official notices when something is cancelled or changed. This word is essential for polite scheduling in Japanese professional and social life.
Example 1
Japanese: ご都合のいい日時を教えていただけますか？
Romaji: Go-tsugou no ii nichiji wo oshiete itadakemasu ka?
English: Could you let me know a date and time that works for you?
Example 2
Japanese: 申し訳ありませんが、その日は都合が悪いです。
Romaji: Moushiwake arimasen ga, sono hi wa tsugou ga warui desu.
English: I am sorry, but that day does not work for me.
Example 3
Japanese: 都合により、イベントは中止となりました。
Romaji: Tsugou ni yori, ibento wa chuushi to narimashita.
English: Due to circumstances, the event has been cancelled.
YukaSo 都合 is the word I need when arranging meetings, asking if someone is free, or making excuses about scheduling?
ReiYes! 都合 is one of the most useful words for navigating Japanese professional life. 都合がいい / 都合が悪い are the standard polite ways to say something works or does not work for your schedule.
Common Mistakes
| Incorrect | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 都合確認してください（per policy） | 都度確認してください | Rule requiring action each time uses 都度, not 都合 |
| 都度が悪いので欠席します | 都合が悪いので欠席します | Scheduling conflict uses 都合, not 都度 |
| その都合に報告する | その都度報告する | “Each time you report” uses 都度, not 都合 |
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | 都度（つど） | 都合（つごう） |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Each time / every occasion | Convenience / circumstances |
| About scheduling? | No | Yes |
| Register | Formal, written | Formal and everyday |
| Common phrase | その都度、都度払い | 都合がいい、都合により |
| English shortcut | “Each time” | “Convenient / circumstances” |
Business Japanese Notes
Both 都度 and 都合 are especially important in business Japanese. Here are typical contexts for each:
都度（つど） in business:
– 都度払い（つどばらい）— pay-per-use / pay each time
– その都度ご連絡ください — please contact us each time
– 都度確認が必要です — confirmation is required each time
都合（つごう） in business:
– ご都合のよろしい日時は？ — What time is convenient for you?
– 都合により休業いたします — Closed due to circumstances
– 都合がつかない — cannot make it / schedule does not allow it
Decision Flowchart
Are you talking about something that happens or must happen EVERY time an event occurs?
|
YES --> Use 都度（つど）
|
NO
|
Are you talking about someone's schedule, availability, or circumstances?
|
YES --> Use 都合（つごう）
|
NO
|
Are you making or politely declining an appointment?
|
YES --> Use 都合（つごう）
|
NO --> Use 都度（つど）if it is a recurring per-occasion ruleQuick Quiz
YukaMy turn! 都度 or 都合 — which one belongs in each sentence?
ReiRemember: 都度 = each time, 都合 = convenience/scheduling!
Q1: ご___のよろしい時間帯はいつですか？
A1: 都合 (tsugou) — asking about a convenient time for scheduling.
Q2: このアプリは利用___に課金されます。
A2: 都度 (tsudo) — charged each time you use it (per-use billing).
Q3: ___により、本日は閉店いたします。
A3: 都合 (tsugou) — “due to circumstances” (都合により) is the standard formal phrase.
Q4: 質問がある場合はその___担当者に聞いてください。
A4: 都度 (tsudo) — “each time you have a question, ask” = その都度.
Q5: 土曜日は___が悪くて、参加できません。
A5: 都合 (tsugou) — “Saturday does not work for me” = 都合が悪い.
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