Meaning and Usage
"始終" (しじゅう) means "continuously," "always," or "constantly." It is used to describe actions or states that persist from beginning to end without interruption. This word often appears in formal or written contexts but is also common in spoken Japanese.
Nuance
Using "始終" implies a sense of consistency or unchanging behavior throughout a period. It can describe both positive and negative situations, such as someone smiling all the time or being busy without rest.
Common Collocations
- 始終笑う (しじゅうわらう): to smile continuously
- 始終忙しい (しじゅういそがしい): to be busy all the time
- 始終同じ態度 (しじゅうおなじたいど): the same attitude throughout
Register and Politeness
"始終" is neutral to slightly formal and fits well in written texts, news reports, and polite conversations.
Learner Tips
Do not confuse "始終" with "ずっと," which also means "continuously" but is more casual and often used in everyday conversation. "始終" carries a slightly stronger nuance of consistency or unchanging state over time.