Translation guide
The English adverb 'ordinarily' is used to describe what is usual, normal, or typical. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adverbs and phrases depending on the nuance: general habitual states, typical conditions, or standard expectations.
To describe what happens most of the time or under normal circumstances.
The most common and neutral way to say 'ordinarily' or 'usually'. It implies a general standard or norm.
普通は朝7時に起きます。
Ordinarily, I get up at 7 a.m.
Refers to one's usual state or habitual actions. Often used for personal routines.
To describe the manner in which something is done, implying it is done as expected or without special effort.
Adverbial form meaning 'normally' or 'in an ordinary way'. Very common in casual speech.
Do not directly translate 'ordinarily' as a single word in all contexts. Japanese often uses topic-comment structure with adverbs like 普通は or 普段は to set the scene, rather than a direct adverb equivalent.
普段は電車で通勤しています。
Ordinarily, I commute by train.
Slightly more formal, often used in written or business contexts to mean 'normally' or 'ordinarily'.
通常はこの手続きに1週間かかります。
Ordinarily, this procedure takes one week.
Means 'mostly' or 'in most cases'. Emphasizes high frequency.
大抵は彼が先に着きます。
Ordinarily, he arrives first.
Means 'generally speaking' or 'in general'. More formal and used for broader statements.
一般的には、この地域は雪が少ないです。
Ordinarily, this region gets little snow.
普通に歩けば10分で着きます。
If you walk ordinarily, you'll get there in 10 minutes.
Means 'as usual' or 'in the usual way'. Emphasizes consistency with past behavior.
彼はいつも通り遅刻した。
He was late, as he ordinarily is.