不断(ふだん)

Literally 'not ceasing' (不(ふ) + 断(だん)). Used as a modifier (with の) to describe something that continues without interruption. Almost always appears in the set phrase 不断(ふだん)の努力(どりょく) (constant effort). Carries a positive connotation of diligence and persistence.

Watch out

Do not confuse with 普段(ふだん) (usually, normally), which is the everyday word for 'ordinary' or 'usual'. They are completely different words that happen to share the same reading.

Common collocations

• 不断(ふだん)の努力(どりょく): constant effort
• 不断(ふだん)の改善(かいぜん): continuous improvement
• 不断(ふだん)の注意(ちゅうい): constant vigilance
• 不断(ふだん)の研鑽(けんさん): continuous self-improvement

Similar words

• 絶(た)え間(ま)ない: unceasing, incessant — emphasizes no breaks or gaps
• 継続的(けいぞくてき): continuous — neutral, technical term for ongoing processes
• 弛(たゆ)まない: untiring, unwavering — emphasizes not slackening in effort