Meaning and Usage
「常に」(つねに) means "always" or "constantly" and is a more formal or written equivalent of 「いつも」. It emphasizes something that happens continuously or habitually without exception.
Common Contexts
You will often see 「常に」 used in formal writing, speeches, or when emphasizing a consistent state or behavior. It is common in business, academic, or serious contexts.
Collocations and Patterns
- 「常に〜する」: to always do something
- 「常に注意する」: to always be careful
- 「常に心がける」: to always keep in mind
These collocations highlight habitual or continuous actions or attitudes.
Register and Nuance
「常に」 is polite and formal, suitable for written language and polite speech. It is less casual than 「いつも」. Using 「常に」 in casual conversation might sound stiff or overly formal.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 「常に」 with 「いつも」 and use it in casual speech where 「いつも」 is more natural. Remember that 「常に」 carries a nuance of formality and continuous consistency, so choose based on context.