Translation guide
The English word 'constantly' describes an action or state that happens all the time, without stopping, or very frequently. Japanese has several ways to express this, depending on whether you mean 'continuously without pause', 'repeatedly over time', or 'always as a habitual state'. The most common and versatile option is いつも (itsumo).
He is constantly late.
The phone rings constantly.
Expressing that something is always the case, as a general truth or habitual action.
The most common and natural way to say 'always' or 'constantly' for habitual actions or states. It can also mean 'usually' depending on context.
He is constantly late.
More formal/literary than いつも. Emphasizes a continuous, unchanging state. Often used in written language or formal speech.
Colloquial, meaning 'all the time' or 'constantly' in the sense of very frequently. Often used for complaints or emphasis on frequency.
Expressing that an action or state continues without interruption.
Means 'incessantly' or 'without ceasing'. Used for actions that continue non-stop. Slightly formal/literary.
Expressing that something happens many times, often in an annoying or noticeable way.
Literally 'many times'. Very common way to say 'constantly' in the sense of repeatedly.
Describing a state that is always in flux, never stable.
Means 'incessantly' or 'without a break'. Often used for continuous change or movement.
I constantly shop here.
He is constantly calm.
This machine constantly requires monitoring.
彼はしょっちゅう電話してくる。
He calls me constantly.
This computer freezes constantly.
The river water flows constantly.
He is constantly complaining.
Describes something happening incessantly, often with a nuance of being annoyingly continuous. Common in spoken language.
The phone rings constantly.
Means 'continuously' or 'all the time' over a period. Can be used for both past and present continuous states.
It has been raining constantly since yesterday.
He is talking constantly.
Literally 'without rest'. Used for machines or people working non-stop.
The factory is operating constantly.
He constantly asks the same question.
I've told you constantly.
Means 'repeatedly'. Slightly more formal than 何度も. Often used as a noun or adverb.
He constantly makes the same mistake.
Means 'frequently' or 'incessantly', often with a sense of eagerness or insistence. Used for actions like asking, calling, or urging.
He constantly tries to talk to me.
The situation is constantly changing.
Means 'moment by moment', emphasizing constant, gradual change. Often used in news or formal contexts.
The situation is changing constantly.
He is constantly calm. (unchanging trait)
I've been working constantly since morning. (continuous duration)
常に can sound stiff or bookish in everyday conversation. Stick to いつも or ずっと for casual settings, unless you want to sound formal or emphatic.
Customers come constantly.