Translation guide
Expresses that something is always the case, continuously, or without exception. Japanese uses adverbs, set phrases, and grammar patterns depending on whether you mean 'constantly', 'whenever necessary', or 'without fail'.
Describing a state or action that is ongoing without interruption.
The most common and neutral way to say 'always' or 'at all times'. Works in both spoken and written Japanese.
彼は常に冷静だ。
He is calm at all times.
常に注意を払ってください。
Please pay attention at all times.
Everyday word for 'always'. Slightly more casual than 常に, but very natural in conversation.
彼女はいつも笑顔だ。
She is smiling at all times.
Literally 'four six hours', meaning 'around the clock' or '24/7'. Emphasizes non-stop continuity. Somewhat colloquial.
四六時中スマホを見ている。
I'm looking at my smartphone at all times.
Something is available or ready whenever required.
Means 'anytime' or 'at all times' in the sense of 'whenever you need'. Very common and versatile.
いつでも使えるように準備しておいて。
Have it ready so it can be used at all times.
質問があればいつでも聞いてください。
If you have questions, please ask at all times.
Formal term often used in official contexts like 'constant monitoring' or 'always available'. Common in written notices.
Emphasizing that a rule or condition applies universally.
Means 'without fail' or 'always'. Used for rules, habits, or guarantees. Stronger than いつも.
必ず手を洗ってください。
Please wash your hands at all times.
彼は必ず時間通りに来る。
He arrives on time at all times.
Literally 'in any kind of time', meaning 'no matter what' or 'at all times'. Emphasizes that the statement holds true in every situation.
どんな時でも希望を捨ててはいけない。
You must not give up hope at all times.
Used in official rules, signs, or documents.
Already covered above, but worth noting it is the standard choice for formal written rules.
シートベルトは常に着用してください。
Please wear your seatbelt at all times.
Also formal, but more technical. Often used for monitoring, security, or availability.
常に (tsuneni) is neutral and often used in written rules or descriptions of constant states. いつも (itsumo) is the most common conversational 'always', but can imply 'usually' rather than strict continuity. 必ず (kanarazu) means 'without fail' and is used for obligations or guarantees.
English 'at all times' is often just a formal way to say 'always'. In Japanese, using すべての時に (subete no toki ni) sounds unnatural. Choose the appropriate adverb based on context.
This facility is monitored at all times.
Please ventilate at all times.