Translation guide
Expresses that a situation, state, or action remains unchanged, just as it has been up to now. Japanese uses various adverbs, phrases, and set expressions depending on nuance and formality.
same as always (routine)
For habitual actions or routines
To say that something is still the same, with no change.
A common, neutral phrase meaning 'as ever' or 'the same as always'. Can be used in both positive and negative contexts.
He's busy as always.
Means 'as usual' or 'the same as always'. Often used for routines or habitual actions.
Literally 'unchanging', used to say something remains the same. Often in set phrases like 変わらず元気です.
She is as beautiful as ever.
To say that someone does something the same way every time, or that an action is unchanged.
To use 'same as always' in fixed phrases like 'same as always' when asked how you are.
相変わらず emphasizes that a state has not changed (often with a nuance of 'still the same as before'), while いつも通り focuses on conformity to a usual pattern or routine. 相変わらず can carry a slightly negative or resigned tone, whereas いつも通り is more neutral.
He's complaining as always (and it's annoying).
He left for work at 7, same as always (his routine).
Avoid directly translating 'same as always' word-for-word into Japanese. Phrases like 同じくいつも are unnatural. Use the set expressions provided.
The weather is the same as always, isn't it?
I woke up at 6 a.m., same as always.
He was late, as usual.
Formal/literary adverb meaning 'still' or 'as before', often used in written or official contexts.
The problem remains unsolved, same as always.
Late again? Same as always, huh.
A: How's it going? B: Same as always.