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
hanahadashii
extreme; excessive; terrible; intense; serious; severe; tremendous; heavy (damage)
Romaji: tsuneni
Kana: つねに
Type: adverb
L: jlpt-n3
Translation / Meaning: always
Meaning in English: always
Definition: constantly, always, always
Quick Access
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- Writing
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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:
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"
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
