Meaning and Usage
"通常" (つうじょう) means "common," "normal," or "usual." It is often used to describe something that happens regularly or under normal conditions. It is a formal word commonly seen in written and spoken Japanese, especially in business or official contexts.
Common Collocations
- 通常の (つうじょうの): "usual" or "normal" — used to modify nouns, e.g., 通常の営業時間 (usual business hours).
- 通常より (つうじょうより): "than usual" — used to compare something with the normal state.
- 通常通り (つうじょうどおり): "as usual" or "normally" — indicates that something is happening in the usual way.
Usage Notes
"通常" is more formal than words like "ふつう" (普通) but they share similar meanings. Learners should note that "通常" is often used in official or written contexts, while "ふつう" is more casual.
Avoid confusing "通常" with "通じる" (つうじる), which is a verb meaning "to communicate" or "to be understood." They sound similar but have different meanings.
Practical Tips
When you want to talk about what usually happens or what is standard procedure, "通常" is a good choice. It helps you sound polite and precise, especially in professional or academic settings.