Meaning

Primary

Always

Alternatives

Constantly, Continually

Word Type

adverb

Explanation

The particle here is a clue that this word is an adverb. An adverb describes actions, so what's a normal action? It's one you're always, or constantly, doing. That's what makes it normal!

Reading

つねに
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

The reading is the kun'yomi reading, which you didn't learn. In order to learn it, think of this:

I always tune (つね) my violin, but today I didn't tune it. So, now I sound terrible. Imagine how terrible my untuned violin sounds, compared to how it always sounds.

Context

Context Sentences

うちの母は、常に父に愛情を持っているわけではなさそうでした。

My mom didn't always seem to be attracted to my dad.

最近は、常に十時にはねていますね。

Lately, I'm always asleep by ten.

自分の親が常に正しいわけではないことを知るのに、時間がかかる子どももいます。

It takes some kids a while to realize their parents aren’t always right.

Kanji Composition