What it means
につけ means “every time” or “whenever,” showing that a repeated situation triggers the same thought, feeling, or reaction. It is more formal and literary than たびに and is especially common when describing memories, emotions, or reflective responses. It can follow a verb in the dictionary form and can also follow certain nouns, particularly in expressions such as 何かにつけ and 何事につけ.
Usage note
につけ normally follows a dictionary-form verb. Noun attachment is less freely productive and is most natural in established expressions such as 何かにつけ and 何事につけ. The ending itself does not change for politeness; politeness is shown by the predicate of the main clause.
How to use it
何かにつけ、彼は母の助言を思い出します。
Whenever anything happens, he remembers his mother's advice.
親友のことを思い出すにつけ、遠く離れていることが寂しくなります。
Whenever I think of my close friend, I feel sad that we are far apart.
何かにつけ、彼は母の助言を思い出す。
Whenever anything happens, he remembers his mother's advice.
親友のことを思い出すにつけ、遠く離れていることが寂しくなる。
Whenever I think of my close friend, I feel sad that we are far apart.
Example sentences
古いアルバムを開くにつけ、遠くに住んでいる祖母の笑顔を思い出す。
Whenever I open the old album, I remember the smile of my grandmother, who lives far away.
何かにつけ、学生時代に支えてくれた先生への感謝がよみがえる。
Whenever something happens, my gratitude toward the teacher who supported me during my student days wells up again.
故郷の