Does 今度 mean "this time" or "next time"?

Question

1. My dictionary gives many meanings for 今度, they include "this time" as well as "next time". How can it mean both? Since it is 今 in it, shouldn't it only mean "this time"? 2. Also, I am confused between 今回 and 今度. The dictionary says that both translate to this time. What is the difference between them? I really can't get my head around this. 3. Finally, is this correct: last time: 先度、先回 - dictionary gives different meaning for both this time: 今度、今回 - dictionary gives similar meaning for both next time: 来度、来回 - don't exist in dictionary? I wonder why

Answer 1

今度 means near future, so that's why there is confusion. It could be this time or next time, whatever is in the near future. 今回 is only this time.

Answer 2

『今度』is used not only for the present but also for the near past and the near future:

1. What is happening now. e.g. 今度こそは勝つ！
2. It just happened. e.g. 今度は何を買ってきたの？今度の中間テストはオール５だったよ。
3. This time. e.g. 今度だけケーキを食べちゃお。
4. Next time. e.g. 今度の夏休みに海へ行きます。今度そちらに伺います。

NOTE: 『この度』(このたび) is used as polite way of saying "this time" as well. e.g. この度は大変お世話になりました。