Translation guide
Expresses that something happens in the same way as it normally does, or that a situation is unchanged from its typical state.
To say that an action is performed in the usual way, or that a state is as it normally is.
A very common and natural way to say 'as usual'. It can be used for both actions and states.
彼はいつも通り遅刻した。
He was late, as usual.
今日もいつも通り忙しい。
Today is busy, as usual.
To describe a situation that hasn't changed, often with a nuance of 'still' or 'as ever'.
Literally 'unchanged from usual'. Used for states or situations that are the same as always.
彼の態度はいつもと変わらない。
His attitude is the same as usual.
To indicate that something is done according to habit or custom.
Means 'as is the custom' or 'as per usual'. Often used when referring to a known routine or pattern.
例によって、彼はまた遅れてきた。
As usual, he showed up late again.
いつも通り is neutral and simply states that something is as usual. 相変わらず often carries a nuance of 'still the same' and can imply that the speaker expected a change or is slightly critical. For example, 相変わらず忙しい can sound like 'still busy (unfortunately)', while いつも通り忙しい is more matter-of-fact.
相変わらず雨が降っている。
It's still raining, as usual (and I wish it would stop).
いつも通り雨が降っている。
It's raining as usual (just a statement of fact).
Avoid directly translating 'as usual' word-for-word into Japanese. Phrases like 通常のように are not natural in most contexts. Use the expressions listed above instead.
彼はいつも通り遅刻した。
He was late, as usual.
相変わらず、彼女は私の言うことを聞かなかった。
As usual, she didn't listen to me.
その店はいつも通り混んでいた。
The store was crowded, as usual.
Often used when a situation or person's behavior remains unchanged, sometimes with a nuance of 'still the same as ever'. Can be slightly negative or neutral.
相変わらず元気ですね。
You're as energetic as ever, I see.
彼は相変わらず忙しい。
He's busy as usual.
Similar to いつも通り, but emphasizes 'as one normally does' or 'as in everyday life'.
普段通りに仕事をした。
I worked as usual.
Formal, often used in official contexts like transportation or business to mean 'operating as normal'.
電車は平常通り運行しています。
Trains are running as usual.
An emphatic version of 相変わらず, often with a negative or critical tone.
相も変わらず遅刻かよ。
Late as usual, huh?
Used as a pre-noun adjective for established customs or annual events. 'The usual (event)'.
恒例の花火大会が開かれた。
The usual fireworks festival was held.