Translation and Meaning of: 常に - tsuneni

The Japanese word 常に (つねに, tsuneni) is an adverb that carries both a profound and everyday meaning. If you are studying Japanese or just have a curiosity about the language, understanding like this is essential for immersing yourself in real communication. In this article, we will explore the meaning, usage, and cultural nuances of 常に, along with practical tips for memorizing it.

常に is one of those words that frequently appears in conversations, formal texts, and even in media such as animes and dramas. Its use goes beyond simple translation, reflecting Japanese values and habits. Here, you will discover how to apply it correctly and avoid common pitfalls.

Meaning and translation of 常に

常に is generally translated as "always" or "constantly". However, its nuance is slightly different from similar words, such as いつも (itsumo). While いつも may carry a more casual and personal tone, 常に conveys an idea of unchanging constancy, almost like a natural law.

A classic example is its use in phrases like 常に準備しておく (tsuneni junbi shite oku), which means "to always be prepared". Here, the word reinforces the idea of a perpetual state, not just a repeated habit. This detail makes all the difference in communication in Japanese.

Origin and composition of kanji

The kanji 常 is composed of two visible elements: the radical 巾 (which is related to fabric or something that extends) and the component 尚 (which suggests elevation or continuity). Together, they convey the idea of something that remains over time, like a fabric that extends endlessly.

Interestingly, this kanji also appears in other important words, such as 日常 (nichijou, "everyday") and 非常 (hijou, "emergency"). In all cases, the notion of permanence or continuous state is present. Understanding this root helps to memorize not only 常に but also related vocabulary.

Cultural usage and memorization tips

In Japan, consistency is a strong cultural value, and 常に reflects this. Companies use this word in slogans to convey reliability, as in 常に進化 (tsuneni shinka, "constant evolution"). This context shows how the term is connected to Japanese reputation and discipline.

To memorize 常に, a tip is to associate it with situations that never change: the sun that always rises, the seasons that repeat. Another strategy is to create flashcards with real sentences, such as 常に感謝の気持ちを忘れない (tsuneni kansha no kimochi o wasurenai, "never forget to be grateful"). with authentic examples solidifies learning.

When to avoid confusion

A common mistake is to interchange 常に with いつも without considering the context. While いつも works well for personal routines ("I always have coffee in the morning"), 常に sounds more natural in universal or professional statements ("the system must always be active").

Another trap is pronunciation: the "tsu" at the beginning of つねに is not mute like in "tsunami." Pronouncing it correctly (with a slight breath) makes a difference in being understood. Practicing with audio from natives, available on platforms like Suki Nihongo, helps avoid this slip.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

  • いつも (itsumo) - Always, generally
  • 常時 (jōji) - Constant, at all times
  • 常にして (tsunenishite) - Always do, always have the practice of
  • 常にしている (tsunenishiteiru) - Always doing, maintaining a constant practice
  • 常にあった (tsuneni atta) - Always be present (in the past)
  • 常にあって (tsuneni atte) - Always being present (in certain circumstances)
  • 常にあれ (tsuneni are) - It should always be this way.
  • 常にあろう (tsuneni arou) - Should or ought to always be
  • 常にあろうと (tsuneni arou to) - Always trying to be
  • 常にあろうとする (tsuneni arou to suru) - The action of trying to always be
  • 常にあろうと思う (tsuneni arou to omou) - I think I should always be
  • 常にあろうと考える (tsuneni arou to kangaeru) - Thinking about always being
  • 常にあろうと決める (tsuneni arou to kimeru) - I decide that I must always be
  • 常にあろうと思い立つ (tsuneni arou to omoitasu) - Suddenly deciding that you must always be there
  • 常にあろうと思いつく (tsuneni arou to omoitsuku) - Conceiving the idea of always being
  • 常にあろうと思わせる (tsuneni arou to omowaseru) - Make someone think they should always be.
  • 常にあろうと思われる (tsuneni arou to omowareru) - To be perceived as something that should always be there
  • 常にあろうと思わずに (tsuneni arou to omowazu ni) - Without thinking that it should always be.
  • 常にあろうと思わない (tsuneni arou to omowanai) - Do not think that you should always be there.

Related words

異常

ijyou

strangeness; abnormality; disorder

相変わらず

aikawarazu

like always; as usual; the same

正しく

masashiku

Certainly; undoubtedly; evidently

毎度

maido

each time; common salute of the service sector

甚だ

hanahada

very; greatly; extremely

甚だしい

hanahadashii

extreme; excessive; terrible; intense; serious; severe; tremendous; heavy (damage)

nou

talent; gift; function; no kidding

年中

nenjyuu

whole year; ever; every day

絶えず

taezu

constantly

相当

soutou

adequate; fair; bearable; appropriate

常に

Romaji: tsuneni
Kana: つねに
Type: adverb
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: always

Meaning in English: always

Definition: constantly, always, always

Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences

How to Write in Japanese - (常に) tsuneni

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (常に) tsuneni:

Example Sentences - (常に) tsuneni

See below some example sentences:

私は常に努めることを忘れずにいます。

Watashi wa tsuneni tsutomeru koto wo wasurezu ni imasu

I always strive without forgetting.

I always working.

  • 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
  • は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
  • 常に (tsuneni) - adverb meaning "always"
  • 努める (tsutomeru) - verb that means "to strive"
  • こと (koto) - noun that means "thing"
  • を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
  • 忘れずに (wasurezu ni) - expression that means "without forgetting"
  • います (imasu) - verb that indicates the action of being present, in this case, "I am present"
描写は小説や詩において非常に重要な要素です。

Miyashou wa shousetsu ya shi ni oite hijou ni juuyou na youso desu

The description is a very important element in novels and poems.

Description is a very important factor in novels and poems.

  • 描写 (byousha) - Description
  • 小説 (shousetsu) - romance, fiction
  • 詩 (shi) - poetry
  • において (ni oite) - in, within
  • 非常に (hijou ni) - extremely
  • 重要な (juuyou na) - important
  • 要素 (yousu) - element
  • です (desu) - is
この建物の構造は非常に堅牢です。

Kono tatemono no kōzō wa hijō ni kenrō desu

The structure of this building is very robust.

The structure of this building is very robust.

  • この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one";
  • 建物 - noun meaning "building";
  • の - particle indicating possession or belonging;
  • 構造 - noun meaning "structure";
  • は - particle indicating the topic of the sentence;
  • 非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely";
  • 堅牢 - adjective meaning "robust" or "resistant";
  • です - verb "to be" in the polite and formal form.
非常に美しい景色ですね。

Hijou ni utsukushii keshiki desu ne

The landscape is very beautiful

It is a very beautiful landscape.

  • 非常に - adverb meaning "very"
  • 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
  • 景色 - noun meaning "landscape"
  • です - Verb "to be" in polite form
  • ね - particle indicating confirmation or seeking confirmation
金融業界は常に変化しています。

Kin'yū gyōkai wa tsuneni henka shite imasu

The financial industry is constantly changing.

  • 金融業界 - financial sector
  • は - Topic particle
  • 常に - always
  • 変化しています - it's changing
私たちの人生は常に巡るものです。

Watashitachi no jinsei wa tsune ni meguru mono desu

Our lives are always spinning.

Our life is always around.

  • 私たちの - 「私たち」
  • 人生 - "Life" in Japanese
  • は - Japanese topic particle
  • 常に - Always in Japanese
  • 巡る - "Girar" or "Circundar" in Japanese
  • もの - "Thing" or "Object" in Japanese
  • です - polite way of "being" in Japanese
社会は常に変化しています。

Shakai wa tsuneni henka shiteimasu

Society is always in constant change.

Society is constantly changing.

  • 社会 (shakai) - society
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 常に (tsuneni) - always
  • 変化しています (henka shiteimasu) - it's changing
真理は常に勝つ。

Shinri wa tsuneni katsu

The truth always prevails.

The truth always prevails.

  • 真理 (shinri) - truth
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 常に (tsuneni) - always
  • 勝つ (katsu) - to win, to gain
物事は常に変化する。

Monogoto wa tsuneni henka suru

Things always change.

Things always change.

  • 物事 (monogoto) - things, subjects
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 常に (tsuneni) - always
  • 変化する (henka suru) - change, vary
流行は常に変化しています。

Ryūkō wa tsuneni henka shiteimasu

Fashion is always changing.

The trend is constantly changing.

  • 流行 (ryuukou) - Fashion
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 常に (tsuneni) - always
  • 変化 (henka) - change
  • しています (shiteimasu) - It's running

Other Words of this Type: adverb

See other words from our dictionary that are also: adverb

どうやら

douyara

looks like; in one way or another

益々

masumasu

More and more; more and more

其れ

sore

this that

今に

imani

shortly; even now

然しながら

shikashinagara

however

常に