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 terms 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"). Contact 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)

能

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
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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:

川の流れは常に変化しています。

Kawa no nagare wa tsune ni henka shiteimasu

The river flow is constantly changing.

川の流れ - Flowing river
は - Topic particle
常に - always
変化しています - mudando

常に前向きに生きよう。

Tsuneni maemuki ni ikiyou

Let's always live positively.

Always live positively.

常に - always
前向きに - in a positive, optimistic way
生きよう - let's live

彼は常に計画を乱す。

Kare wa tsuneni keikaku o midasu

He always disrupts the plans.

He always messes up the plan.

彼 (kare) - He
は (wa) - Topic particle
常に (tsuneni) - Always
計画 (keikaku) - Plan
を (wo) - Direct object particle
乱す (midasu) - Disturb, mess up

彼女は常に自信を帯びている。

Kanojo wa tsuneni jishin o obite iru

She always carries with her confidence.

She is always confident.

彼女 (kanojo) - she
は (wa) - Topic particle
常に (tsuneni) - always
自信 (jishin) - Confidence
を (wo) - direct object particle
帯びている (ota bite iru) - is loading/possessing

睡眠は健康にとって非常に重要です。

Suimin wa kenkou ni totte hijou ni juuyou desu

Sleep is very important for your health.

睡眠 (suimin) - I am, I am deep, to sleep
は (wa) - Topic particle
健康 (kenkou) - health, state of health
にとって (ni totte) - for, in relation to
非常に (hijou ni) - extremely, very
重要 (juuyou) - important, essential
です (desu) - Verb "to be" in the present tense

私たちの人生は常に変わるものです。

Watashitachi no jinsei wa tsuneni kawaru mono desu

Our life is always changing.

私たちの - 私たち
人生 - "Life" in Japanese
は - Japanese topic particle
常に - Always in Japanese
変わる - "change" in Japanese
もの - "thing" in Japanese
です - The verb "to be" in Japanese in its polite form.

私たちの人生は常に移り変わっています。

Watashitachi no jinsei wa tsuneni utsuri kawatte imasu

Our lives are always changing.

Our life is always changing.

私たちの - personal pronoun plural that means "our"
人生 - substantive that means "life"
は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
常に - adverb meaning "always"
移り変わっています - verb that means "to change" or "to float" conjugated in the present continuous

私たちは常に新しい挑戦に挑むことが大切です。

Watashitachi wa tsuneni atarashii chōsen ni idomu koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to always face new challenges.