Translation guide
Expresses that something happens continuously, very frequently, or at every possible moment. Japanese uses different words and patterns depending on whether you mean 'constantly', 'always', 'whenever', or 'every time'.
The action or state is ongoing and uninterrupted.
The most common way to say 'all the time' meaning continuously. Works for both past and present.
It was raining all the time yesterday.
He talks all the time.
Means 'always', but can imply 'all the time' when the context is continuous. Slightly more common for habitual actions.
Literally '24 hours a day', emphasizes around-the-clock continuity. Somewhat emphatic.
The action happens so often it feels constant.
Colloquial and very common for 'all the time' in the sense of 'constantly, repeatedly'.
Each occurrence of a situation triggers the same result.
Attach to verb plain form or noun + の. Means 'every time ~'.
Emphasizes duration throughout a specific period.
ずっと emphasizes continuous duration. いつも means 'always' and can be used for habits or states. しょっちゅう is colloquial and means 'constantly, all the time' with a nuance of annoyance or high frequency.
He's sleeping all the time (continuously).
He is busy all the time.
I'm looking at my smartphone all the time.
He's late all the time.
I get phone calls all the time.
Again 'always', but works for frequent repetition as well.
She complains all the time.
Means 'frequently', slightly more formal than しょっちゅう.
He travels abroad all the time.
Also 'frequently', but more literary or formal.
This problem occurs all the time.
Every time I see him, he's wearing different clothes.
I buy souvenirs every time I travel.
After dictionary form or た-form, means 'whenever ~, always'. Emphasizes habitual result.
Whenever he drinks, he starts singing.
Literally 'when ~, always'. More explicit.
When I have free time, I'm reading all the time.
Means 'all day long'.
I was working all the time (all day).
Means 'all night long'.
We partied all night long.
Means 'all year round' or 'throughout the year'.
This shop is open all the time (year-round).
He's always sleeping (whenever I see him).
He's sleeping all the time (so often it's annoying).
The phrase 'all the time' cannot be directly translated word-for-word into Japanese. Use the appropriate expression based on the intended meaning.