Translation guide
The English word "constant" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: describing something that happens continuously, something that stays the same, and a fixed value in math or science. It also touches on the idea of loyalty or faithfulness.
Describing an action, state, or event that occurs repeatedly or without stopping.
An adjective meaning 'incessant' or 'unceasing'. Used for things that continue without pause, like noise, rain, or effort.
絶え間ない騒音で眠れなかった。
I couldn't sleep because of the constant noise.
A phrase meaning 'incessant' or 'nonstop', often used for things like phone calls, visitors, or questions. Slightly colloquial.
ひっきりなしの電話で仕事が進まない。
The constant phone calls are keeping me from getting work done.
A grammar pattern meaning 'always doing ~' or 'doing nothing but ~'. It implies the action is constant and often excessive.
彼は文句を言ってばかりいる。
He's constantly complaining.
A loanword from English, used as a na-adjective. Common in business or technical contexts to mean 'steady' or 'constant', but less natural in everyday speech.
コンスタントな努力が必要だ。
Constant effort is necessary.
Describing a state, quality, or condition that does not vary over time.
A na-adjective meaning 'fixed', 'constant', or 'uniform'. Used for things like temperature, speed, or rules that don't change.
この部屋は一定の温度に保たれている。
This room is kept at a constant temperature.
The negative form of 変わる (to change), meaning 'unchanging' or 'constant'. It's a simple, common way to express that something remains the same.
彼の愛情は変わらない。
His love is constant.
A more formal or literary term meaning 'eternal' or 'immutable'. Often used in philosophical or scientific contexts.
不変の真理を追求する。
Pursue constant truth.
Referring to a number or quantity that does not change, such as in an equation or physical law.
Describing a person who is steadfast in support or affection.
A na-adjective meaning 'faithful' or 'loyal'. Used for people, but also for things like translations or reproductions.
彼は忠実な友人だ。
He is a constant friend.
A slightly literary version of 変わらない, often used in set phrases like 変わらぬ愛 (unchanging love).
変わらぬ友情に感謝します。
I'm grateful for your constant friendship.
English often uses 'constantly' as an adverb (e.g., 'He is constantly late'). In Japanese, it's more natural to use phrases like いつも (always), しょっちゅう (frequently), or the pattern 〜てばかりいる rather than trying to directly translate 'constantly'.
彼はいつも遅刻する。
He is constantly late.
彼女はしょっちゅう電話してくる。
She calls me constantly.
The loanword used as a noun, common in technical fields.
この式のコンスタントを求めなさい。
Find the constant in this equation.