相変わらず
aikawarazu
The English phrase 'as usual' is translated into Japanese as 相変わらず (aikawarazu).
相変わらず is used to describe a situation or behavior that remains the same as it has been in the past. While it can be used for positive descriptions, such as being 'as beautiful as ever', it is very frequently used to describe unchanging negative or neutral states, such as being 'busy as usual' or 'troublesome as usual'. Other ways to express similar ideas include 毎日と同じように (just like every day) and 通常どおり (as per usual or regularly).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 相 (mutual/reciprocal) and 変わらず (not changing), literally meaning 'without changing from the mutual state' or 'unchangingly'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In a sentence, 相変わらず functions as an adverb. It can be placed at the beginning of a sentence or immediately before a verb or an adjective.
How do you pronounce it?
aikawarazu
Did you know?
- While 'as usual' in English is often neutral, using 相変わらず to describe a person's behavior can often sound like a subtle way of saying 'you haven't changed a bit (and that is a problem)', carrying a hint of sarcasm.
- The word 変わらず is the negative form of the verb 変わる ('to change'), utilizing the ず suffix which is an archaic version of ない still preserved in set phrases.
- In Japanese, the term 相変わらず can be used as a polite way to open a conversation with an acquaintance by saying 'It is as usual (no change) since we last met', which functions as a social lubricant.
Examples in context
- 相変わらずよ。Same as usual.Tatoeba #140421 by KK_kaku_, translation #274152 by shekitten
- 相変わらず忙しいの？Busy as usual?Tatoeba #2309936 by tommy_san, translation #3301180 by AnneWy
- 相変わらず、挑戦的ね。He's a challenge, as usual.Tatoeba #9943500 by small_snow, translation #10317964 by terrywallwork
- 会議はいつも通りの場所で行われます。The meeting will be held at the usual location.
- 従来通りの手順に従って進めてください。Please proceed following the usual procedure.
- 予約をいつものようにお願いします。Please make the reservation as usual.
- 彼は普段通りに行動していました。He acted as usual.
- 今日もいつもの感じで遊びに行こう！Let's go out and have fun as usual today!
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends meet for coffee after a long time.
- 陽太 Yota美咲、元気？相変わらず可愛いね。Misaki, genki? Aikawarazu kawaii ne.Misaki, how are you? You're as cute as ever.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとう。陽太こそ、相変わらずね。Arigatou. Youta koso, aikawarazu ne.Thanks. You're the same as usual, Youta.
- 陽太 Yotaそうかな。最近はどうしているの？Sou kana. Saikin wa dou shite iru no?I wonder. How have you been lately?
- 美咲 Misaki相変わらず仕事で忙しいよ。Aikawarazu shigoto de isogashii yo.I'm as busy with work as usual.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
