Japanese word

常

Pronunciation

Romajitsune

Meaning

  • nounnormal

Example

昔は毎朝、歩くのが常でした。mukashi wa mai asa aru ku no ga tsune de shi ta

In the past, walking every morning was normal.

Illustration for 常 (normal)

More examples

突然の雨は、この季節には常ではありません。totsu zen no ame wa ko no ki setsu ni wa tsune de wa a ri ma se n

Sudden rain is not normal in this season.

Core concept

It presents something as the ordinary state that continues without special change.

Common phrases

  • 常のことtsune no ko to

    the usual thing

  • 常ではないtsune de wa na i

    not normal

Similar words

普通futsū: A state regarded as ordinary and not unusual.
通常tsūjō: The state or manner that is common under ordinary conditions.

Definition in Japanese

特別な状態ではなく、いつもどおりであること。toku betsu na jō tai de wa na ku i tsu mo dō ri de a ru ko to

Word origin

常 (tsune, "usual state") is a native Japanese noun used independently to name what normally happens or remains unchanged, rather than a compound formed from Sino-Japanese readings.

Usage tips

  • The phrase それが常だ (sore ga tsune da) has a formal or literary tone, while everyday conversation more often uses いつもそうだ (itsumo sō da) for the same idea.

Opposites

Word lists with this word