Translation guide
The English word 'usual' describes something that happens or is used most of the time, or is normal and expected. In Japanese, the most common way to express this is with the adjective いつも (itsumo) meaning 'always/usual', or the phrase 普段の (fudan no) meaning 'ordinary/usual'. The choice depends on whether you are talking about a habitual action, a typical state, or a customary thing.
いつものをください。
I'll have the usual.
彼はいつも遅刻する。
He is usually late.
Describing something that happens regularly or is the normal state of affairs.
Adverb meaning 'always' or 'usually'. It can also be used as a noun with の to mean 'the usual one'. Very common in daily conversation.
いつもの電車に乗った。
I took the usual train.
彼はいつも遅刻する。
He is usually late.
Means 'usually' or 'normally', contrasting with a special occasion. 普段 (fudan) means 'ordinary days' or 'usual state'.
普段は自転車で通勤しています。
I usually commute by bicycle.
Adverb meaning 'mostly' or 'usually'. Slightly more formal than いつも, and implies 'in most cases'.
大抵の人は朝ごはんを食べる。
Most people usually eat breakfast.
Noun/adverb meaning 'normal' or 'usual', often used in formal or written contexts, such as business or technical descriptions.
通常、この店は9時に開店します。
Usually, this store opens at 9 o'clock.
Referring to a specific thing that is customary or habitual, like 'the usual' at a restaurant.
Literally 'the always one'. Used to refer to your regular order, routine, or familiar item.
いつものをください。
I'll have the usual, please.
Means 'standard item' or 'classic choice'. Often used for products, menu items, or routines that are reliably chosen.
この店の定番メニューはラーメンです。
The usual menu item at this shop is ramen.
Expressing that a situation is unchanged from the normal state.
Means 'as ever' or 'as usual', often with a nuance of 'still the same' (can be positive or negative).
彼は相変わらず忙しい。
He is busy as usual.
Literally 'as always', 'in the usual way'. Very common in daily speech.
今日もいつも通り仕事に行く。
Today I'll go to work as usual.
Describing something that is normal, average, or not out of the ordinary.
Means 'normal', 'ordinary', 'usual'. Can be used as an adjective (普通の) or adverb (普通に).
普通の人はそんなことしない。
Ordinary people don't do that kind of thing.
Means 'commonplace', 'mundane'. Often used to describe something lacking special qualities, sometimes with a negative nuance.
いつも emphasizes habitual repetition (always/usually). 普段 contrasts with special occasions (normally/ordinarily). 大抵 means 'mostly' or 'in most cases', implying a high probability. For 'I usually drink coffee', いつもコーヒーを飲む (habit), 普段はコーヒーを飲む (as opposed to tea sometimes), 大抵コーヒーを飲む (most of the time).
平凡な毎日を送っている。
I lead a usual, uneventful life.