1.
always, constantly
At all times; without exception. More formal than いつも.
常に means "always" or "at all times" with a formal, written tone. It emphasizes consistency and permanence.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- いつも: always (casual, everyday — the most common choice)
- 常に: always (formal, written — implies principle or permanent state)
- 絶えず: constantly, incessantly (emphasizes continuous action without break)
- 常々: habitually, always (often with opinions or thoughts one regularly holds)
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 常に意識する: to always be aware of
- 常に冷静だ: to always be calm
- 常に努力する: to always make an effort
POSITION:
Placed before the verb or adjective it modifies.
REGISTER:
Formal and written. In everyday speech, いつも is more natural. 常に appears in essays, speeches, business writing, and proverbs.