いつも
Meanings
1
usually written using kana alone
Describes a habitual or constant state or action. Very common in everyday speech.
He is always late.
I always drink coffee in the morning.
2
usually written using kana alone
Used with a negative verb to mean 'never'. The combination いつも～ない is a common pattern.
He never keeps his promises.
This shop is never crowded.
3
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun
usually written using kana alone
Functions as a noun or no-adjective, often in phrases like いつもの (the usual ...) or いつも通り (as usual).
I sat in my usual seat.
He came late, as usual.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉はいつも〈動詞〉ているsomeone is always doing something (habitual state)
He is always late.
- いつも〈動詞〉ないnever do something (with negative verb)
He never keeps his promises.
- いつもの〈物〉the usual (thing/place/order)
Let's meet at our usual place.