Translation guide
The English word 'always' can express constant state, repeated habit, or 'every time'. Japanese uses different expressions depending on the nuance: いつも for habitual frequency, 常に for continuous state, and other patterns for 'whenever' or 'without exception'.
いつも朝ごはんを食べます。
I always eat breakfast.
彼はいつも遅刻します。
He is always late.
To say that something happens regularly or as a habit, not necessarily continuously.
The most common and natural way to say 'always' for habitual actions. It can also mean 'usually' or 'every time'.
彼はいつも遅刻する。
He is always late.
私はいつも朝コーヒーを飲む。
I always drink coffee in the morning.
Means 'without fail' or 'always' with a sense of certainty. Stronger than いつも, often used for rules or promises.
彼は必ず約束を守る。
He always keeps his promises.
To express that something is true or happening all the time, without interruption.
To express that something happens on every occasion of a specific event.
Attach to a verb or noun meaning 'every time ~'. Very common for 'whenever'.
彼女に会うたびに、嬉しくなる。
Every time I see her, I get happy.
Used with a verb in dictionary form to mean 'whenever ~, always ...'.
雨が降るといつも、この道は混む。
Whenever it rains, this road always gets crowded.
To express that something will continue eternally or never change.
Means 'all the time' or 'forever' in a continuous sense. Very common in casual speech.
ずっと君のことを愛している。
I will always love you.
Literally 'eternally'. More dramatic and less common in daily conversation.
この思い出は永遠に心に残る。
This memory will always remain in my heart.
To say that something is the same as usual.
Means 'as ever' or 'as usual'. Often used to describe someone's unchanging behavior or state.
彼は相変わらず忙しい。
He is busy as always.
In many cases, Japanese omits 'always' when the habitual nature is clear from context. Overusing いつも can sound unnatural. For example, 'I go to school by bus' in Japanese is often just バスで学校に行く, without いつも, if it's a general statement.
いつも is for habits and repeated actions (I always eat breakfast). 常に is for continuous states or principles (The sun always rises). Using 常に for daily habits can sound overly formal or stiff.
If you have questions, please ask anytime (always feel free to ask).