Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Always" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "always", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
しょっちゅう
しょっちゅう (shocchuu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
しじゅう
しじゅう (shijū)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "always" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between しょっちゅう and しじゅう.
In Japanese, しょっちゅう (しょっちゅう (shocchuu)) is typically associated with "always, constantly, often" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Informal way to say "very often" or "all the time." Similar to 頻繁に.
On the other hand, しじゅう (しじゅう (shijū)) maps to "always, constantly, from beginning to end, all the time" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Emphasizes that something is continuous or happens throughout a period, or describes a constant habit. Similar to 常に. A literal translation of "always" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "しょっちゅう"
彼はしょっちゅう遅刻するので困る。
He's always late, which is a problem.
Bilingual Context for "しじゅう"
彼はしじゅう笑顔で、周りを明るくする人だ。
He's always smiling, brightening up those around him.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は ＿＿＿ 遅刻するので困る。" (Meaning: "He's always late, which is a problem.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "しょっちゅう" fits here because it means "always, constantly, often" in the context of: "He's always late, which is a problem.". "しじゅう" represents "always, constantly, from beginning to end, all the time".