1.
this time, now
The present occasion or attempt.
2.
next time, one of these days
A future occasion, often unspecified.
3.
recently, the other day
A recent occasion (context-dependent).
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)