Have you ever wanted to say “always” or “usually” in Japanese?

For example, “I always drink coffee in the morning” or “She’s always smiling.”

And of course… “I always think about you.” (Haha❤️)

Talking about our habits and quirks is something universal, no matter what language you speak.

In Japanese, we use いつも (itsumo) for this. It’s super common and easy to use. 

Let’s dive in and master it together!

よく (yoku) → means often, not as strong as いつも.
かれは よくマンガを よみます。
kare ha yoku manga wo yomimasu
He often reads manga.

たいてい (taitei) → means usually / generally.
たいてい あさごはんを食べます。
taitei asagohan wo tabemasu
I usually eat breakfast.

いつでも (itsudemo) → means anytime. 

いつでも あそびに来てください。
itsudemo asobi ni kite kudasai
Please come visit anytime.

💡Tip:

いつも = always / habitually (describes frequency)

いつでも = anytime (expresses availability or openness)

私は いつも コーヒーを のみます。
watashi ha itsumo koohii wo nomimasu
I always drink coffee.

ひかり先生は いつも げんきです。
hikari sensei ha itsumo genki desu
Hikari-sensei is always energetic.

わたしは いつも 7時に起きます。
watashi ha itsumo shichi-ji ni okimasu
I always wake up at 7.

わたしのそぼは いつも きものを きています。
watashi no sobo ha itsumo kimono wo kite imasu
My grandmother always wears a kimono.

かれは いつも ちこくします。
kare ha itsumo chikoku shimasu
He is always late.

この店は いつも こんでいます。
kono mise ha itsumo konde imasu
This shop is always crowded.

あなたは いつも ふくを ぬぎっぱなしだよね！
anata ha itsumo fuku wo nugippanashi da yo ne!
You always leave your clothes lying around!

• Grammar Point: いつも 
• JLPT Level: N5
• Meaning: always; usually; habitually
• Quick Explanation:  いつも is an adverb that describes frequency.
  It goes before the verb (or adjective) in a sentence and tells us that the action happens regularly or all the time.
  

So that’s how we use いつも in Japanese!

It’s an easy but powerful word that helps you talk about your daily habits and routines.

Here’s a little extra!

Many of you probably love the Studio Ghibli movie Spirited Away. Its theme song is called 「いつも何度でも」 (Itsumo Nando Demo), which is translated in English as Always With Me.

Every time I hear its gentle, embracing melody and lyrics, I’m reminded to “always keep dreaming the dreams that make my heart dance.” That’s the magic of いつも!

Now it’s your turn: try making your own sentences with いつも! 

Your Sensei,

Hikari 👩🏻‍🏫

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