Translation guide
The English word 'usual' describes something that happens or is used most of the time, or is normal and expected. In Japanese, the most common way to express this is with the adjective いつも (itsumo) meaning 'always/usual', or the phrase 普段の (fudan no) meaning 'ordinary/usual'. The choice depends on whether you are talking about a habitual action, a typical state, or a customary thing.
I'll have the usual.
He is usually late.
Describing something that happens regularly or is the normal state of affairs.
Adverb meaning 'always' or 'usually'. It can also be used as a noun with の to mean 'the usual one'. Very common in daily conversation.
I took the usual train.
Means 'usually' or 'normally', contrasting with a special occasion. 普段 (fudan) means 'ordinary days' or 'usual state'.
I usually commute by bicycle.
Adverb meaning 'mostly' or 'usually'. Slightly more formal than いつも, and implies 'in most cases'.
Noun/adverb meaning 'normal' or 'usual', often used in formal or written contexts, such as business or technical descriptions.
Referring to a specific thing that is customary or habitual, like 'the usual' at a restaurant.
Literally 'the always one'. Used to refer to your regular order, routine, or familiar item.
I'll have the usual, please.
Expressing that a situation is unchanged from the normal state.
Describing something that is normal, average, or not out of the ordinary.
Means 'normal', 'ordinary', 'usual'. Can be used as an adjective (普通の) or adverb (普通に).
いつも emphasizes habitual repetition (always/usually). 普段 contrasts with special occasions (normally/ordinarily). 大抵 means 'mostly' or 'in most cases', implying a high probability. For 'I usually drink coffee', いつもコーヒーを飲む (habit), 普段はコーヒーを飲む (as opposed to tea sometimes), 大抵コーヒーを飲む (most of the time).
He is usually late.
大抵の人は朝ごはんを食べる。
Most people usually eat breakfast.
通常、この店は9時に開店します。
Usually, this store opens at 9 o'clock.
Means 'standard item' or 'classic choice'. Often used for products, menu items, or routines that are reliably chosen.
The usual menu item at this shop is ramen.
Means 'as ever' or 'as usual', often with a nuance of 'still the same' (can be positive or negative).
He is busy as usual.
Literally 'as always', 'in the usual way'. Very common in daily speech.
Today I'll go to work as usual.
Ordinary people don't do that kind of thing.
Means 'commonplace', 'mundane'. Often used to describe something lacking special qualities, sometimes with a negative nuance.
I lead a usual, uneventful life.