This article will give you all of the knowledge you need on the Japanese word itsumo, including its Japanese definition and translation, usage, example sentences, related expressions and more!
Contents
What does itsumo mean?
The Japanese word itsumo (いつも) means always or usually. The first meaning of always is the most common, but itsumo wa (いつもは) stands for usually when it is being contrasted with something.
For example, “itsumo wa isogashii kedo, kyou wa hima” (いつもは忙しいけど、今日は暇) can be translated as “I’m usually busy, but I have free time today”.
Below, we take a look at some more examples of how to use itsumo in Japanese.
To make it easier for you, I have written each sentence in full Japanese kanji on the first line, followed by roman letters (romaji), and hiragana, with the English meaning coming last. I have also highlighted the new word in bold.
Example sentences using itsumo
この部屋はいつも暗い。
Kono heya wa itsumo kurai.
このへやはいつもくらい。
This room is always dark.
学校の時はいつも眠い。
Gakkou no toki wa itsumo nemui.
がっこうのときはいつもねむい。
I’m always sleepy at school.
友達と遊ぶ時はいつも楽しい。
Tomodachi to asobu toki wa itsumo tanoshii.
ともだちとあそぶときはいつもたのしい。
It’s always fun when I hang out with my friends.
いつもは電気を消すけど、昨日は忘れた。
Itsumo wa denki wo kesu kedo, kinou wa wasureta.
いつもはでんきをけすけど、きのうはわすれた。
I usually turn off the lights, but I forgot to yesterday.
いつもは夢を見ないが、今回は凄かった！
Itsumo wa yume wo minai ga, konkai wa sugokatta!
いつもはゆめをみないが、こんかいはすごかった！
I don’t usually have dreams, but this time was amazing!
What does itsumo arigatou mean?
Itsumo arigatou (いつもありがとう) means thanks as always or thanks for everything (you do). It is basically a show of gratitude for what someone does for you on a regular basis, rather than thanking them for one specific thing. I appreciate you might be another good way to translate this phrase.
お父さん、いつもありがとう。
Otousan, itsumo arigatou.
おとうさん、いつもありがとう。
Thanks for everything you do, Dad.
Itsumo arigatou ne (いつもありがとうね) means the same thing, but the “ne” particle makes the phrase sound softer or friendlier.
Itsumo arigatou gozaimasu (いつもありがとうございます) is the polite version of this expression that you might use toward your boss or workmates.
What about itsumo doori?
Itsumo doori (いつも通り) means as usual or as always. On its own, doori means way or manner, so itsumo doori literally stands for in the usual way. You can use this expression to talk about something that happens regularly or an activity that is part of your everyday routine.
いつも通り会社に行った。
Itsumo doori, kaisha ni itta.
いつもどおり、かいしゃにいった。
I went to work as usual.
私はいつも通り、８時過ぎにホームに立った。
Watashi wa itsumo doori, hachiji sugi ni hoomu ni tatta.
わたしはいつもどおり、はちじすぎにほーむにたった。
As usual, I stood at the platform just after 8.
Related vocabulary
Mainichi (毎日, まいにち): Every day (full lesson here)
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