今回

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 今回 is read as こんかい and is a noun or adverbial expression for the current occasion or the instance now under discussion.
• Basic usage: Use 今回の旅行 before a noun and 今回は when making this attempt the topic.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Scope of the current occasion
  • It does not mean the whole of today; it selects the present trip or attempt from a series of occasions.
• Contrast with 前回
  • 前回は失敗したが、今回は directly contrasts the previous attempt with the current one.