常(つね)

つね
noun
norm; the usual; the ordinary
formalabstract
1. norm; usual state; what is ordinary
What is normal, customary, or to be expected. Often appears in set patterns describing how things typically are, or as 常(つね)に (always) adverbially.
世(よ)の常(つね)だ。
That's the way of the world.
失敗(しっぱい)は若者(わかもの)の常(つね)だ。
Failure is to be expected from young people.
彼(かれ)は常(つね)に冷静(れいせい)でいるよう心(こころ)がけている。
He always tries to stay calm.

A somewhat literary noun. Most common as part of fixed patterns: 〜の常(つね) (the way of ~), 常(つね)に (always), or 常々(つねづね) (regularly, all the time).

Common patterns

Similar words

  • いつも: always — everyday, conversational
  • 普段(ふだん): usually; in ordinary times — concrete daily routine
  • 常(つね)に: always — formal, written; same kanji used adverbially

Related Words

Compare: 普段(ふだん) (usually)
general
Added 2026.6.8 13:06 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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