1.
this time, now
The present occasion or attempt.
今度こそ成功する。
This time I'll definitely succeed.
今度こそ emphasizes determination
今度は私が払います。
This time I'll pay.
今度の試験は難しかった。
This test was difficult.
今度はうまくいくといいね。
I hope it goes well this time.
今度は失敗しないようにしよう。
Let's try not to fail this time.
2.
next time, one of these days
A future occasion, often unspecified.
今度食事に行きましょう。
Let's go eat sometime soon.
Future meaning
今度の日曜日
This coming Sunday
今度また遊びに来てね。
Come visit again sometime.
Casual invitation
今度、映画を見に行こう。
Let's go see a movie sometime.
今度、日本に行きたいです。
I want to go to Japan someday.
3.
recently, the other day
A recent occasion (context-dependent).
今度引っ越しました。
I moved recently.
Recent past meaning
今度入った新しい会社はいいところだ。
The new company I recently joined is a good place.
今度買った車を見せてよ。
Show me the car you recently bought.
今度結婚することになりました。
I'm getting married soon.
今度転勤になったんです。
I'm being transferred recently/soon.
今度 can mean 'this time,' 'next time,' or 'recently' depending on context.
Key patterns:
- 今度こそ: this time for sure
- 今度の〜: this coming ~ (e.g., 今度の週末)
Note: When declining an invitation, 今度また ('next time') can be a polite way to say 'not now' without committing to a specific future date.
Related:
- 次: next (more specific)
- 今回: this time (more formal)