Meaning and Usage
"ずっと" is an adverb used to express continuity or duration over a long period of time. It often emphasizes something happening without interruption or consistently.
Common Contexts
It is frequently used to talk about ongoing states, desires, or actions that have lasted or will last for a long time.
Collocations and Patterns
- ずっと前から (ずっとまえから): "for a long time before" — used to express something desired or known since long ago.
- ずっと〜ている: continuous action or state, e.g., ずっと住んでいる (have been living continuously).
- ずっと座っている: emphasizing the effect of doing something continuously.
Register and Nuance
"ずっと" is neutral and common in both spoken and written Japanese. It can be used in casual and polite contexts without issue.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "ずっと" with "とても" (very). Remember, "ずっと" relates to duration or continuity, not intensity.