いつも

Alternative writings: 何時も
JLPT:N5
Frequency:
1

Always; at all times — an adverb indicating that something happens regularly or continuously.

AdverbUsually Kana

Examples

彼はいつも朝七時にジョギングをする。

He always goes jogging at 7 a.m.

いつもいいアイデアをありがとう。

Thanks as always for the good ideas.

この店はいつも混んでいるから、早めに行ったほうがいいよ。

This shop is always crowded, so it's better to go early.

彼女はいつも礼儀正しく振る舞う。

She always behaves politely.

2

When used with a negative verb, it can mean 'never' or 'not at all' (common in colloquial usage).

AdverbUsually Kana

Examples

彼は約束を守らない。いつも遅刻するし、連絡もしてこないから信用できない。

He doesn't keep promises. He never arrives on time and never contacts me, so I can't trust him.

あのレストランにはいつも行かない。味が合わないから。

I never go to that restaurant. The food doesn't suit my taste.

3

As a noun (often in the phrase いつもの~), it refers to the usual or habitual thing/person/place.

Noun Taking 'の'NounUsually Kana

Examples

いつものカフェでコーヒーを飲みながら勉強した。

I studied while drinking coffee at the usual café.

『今日のランチは何にする?』『いつもののでいいよ。』

'What do you want for lunch today?' 'The usual is fine.'

彼はいつもの時間に来なかったので、心配した。

He didn't come at his usual time, so I was worried.