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B1 adverb #2,000 le plus courant 8 min de lecture

相変わらず

aikawarazu Top 2,000

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn Japanese. You might not use '相変わらず' (aikawarazu) yourself yet, but you will hear it in basic greetings. Think of it as a special way to say 'same.' When someone asks 'How are you?' (Genki desu ka?), and you want to say 'I am fine, like always,' you can say 'Aikawarazu genki desu.' It is a very useful word for making your Japanese sound more natural. Even at this early stage, remembering that 'ai' means 'together' and 'kawaru' means 'change' can help you recognize it. Just remember: it means things are the same as they were before. You can use it to talk about your health, the weather, or your hobbies. It is a friendly word that helps you connect with people by showing that you remember how things were in the past. Try to use it when you meet a teacher or a friend after a weekend. It shows you are making an effort to use more than just the simplest words.

At the A2 level, you can begin to use '相変わらず' in more varied sentences. You are now able to describe people and places in more detail. You can use 'aikawarazu' to describe a friend's personality or a place you visit often. For example, 'Kono mise wa aikawarazu kirei desu' (This shop is beautiful as usual). This level is about building consistency in your speech. You should practice using it as an adverb before adjectives like 'isogashii' (busy) or 'shizuka' (quiet). It is also a great time to learn the phrase 'Aikawarazu desu' as a response to 'How have you been?' This is much more common in real Japanese than just saying 'Genki desu.' It shows that your life is stable. You might also notice it in simple stories or manga. When a character does something predictable, another character might say 'Aikawarazu da ne' (You're the same as ever). This is a very common social interaction in Japan, and learning to use it will help you fit in better during casual conversations.

At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the nuance of '相変わらず' and use it correctly in both spoken and written Japanese. This is the level where you start to distinguish it from 'itsumo' (always) and 'mada' (still). You should understand that 'aikawarazu' implies a comparison with the past. For instance, if you haven't seen a friend for a month, and they are still busy with work, 'aikawarazu' is the perfect word. You can also start using the 'no' form to modify nouns, such as 'aikawarazu no egao' (the same smile as ever). This adds a more descriptive and emotional layer to your Japanese. You should also be aware of the social context. While it is usually polite, using it to describe someone's bad habits requires caution. At B1, you are moving toward intermediate fluency, and 'aikawarazu' is a key 'bridge' word that makes your sentences flow more naturally. You will see it frequently in emails, especially in the opening lines where you acknowledge the recipient's continued well-being. Mastering this word at B1 means you can handle common social situations with ease and accuracy.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use '相変わらず' with a high degree of precision and understand its more subtle implications. You can use it to discuss more complex topics like the economy, social trends, or literature. For example, 'Keiki wa aikawarazu fuyomei da' (The economy remains uncertain as ever). You should also be comfortable with the more emphatic form '相も変わらず' (ai-mo-kawarazu) and understand when it carries a negative or sarcastic tone. This level requires you to recognize the difference between 'aikawarazu' and the more formal 'izen to shite.' While 'aikawarazu' is suitable for most conversations and standard business emails, 'izen to shite' is better for formal reports or news broadcasts. You should also be able to use 'aikawarazu' in complex sentence structures, such as 'Aikawarazu no isogashisa ni, tsui renraku ga okurete shimatta' (Due to the same old busyness, I accidentally delayed contacting you). This shows you can use the word to provide reasons and context, not just simple descriptions. Your ability to use this word reflects your understanding of Japanese social expectations regarding consistency and change.

At the C1 level, your use of '相変わらず' should be indistinguishable from a native speaker's. You understand the deep cultural roots of the word—how it reflects a Japanese preference for stability and the acknowledgement of shared history. You can use it in sophisticated literary contexts or high-level business negotiations. You might use it to describe the 'unchanging nature' of a person's character in a nuanced way, perhaps even poetically. You are also fully aware of the 'ironic' use of the word, where saying something is 'unchanged' actually highlights a failure to adapt. You can navigate the fine line between a compliment and a critique. In writing, you use 'aikawarazu' to create a sense of continuity in your narrative or argument. You also understand its role in 'keigo' (honorific Japanese) more deeply, knowing exactly how to pair it with humble or respectful verbs to maintain the perfect social distance. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item; it is a tool for expressing complex social observations and emotional states with brevity and impact.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '相変わらず' and can use it to discuss philosophical or abstract concepts. You might explore the paradox of 'aikawarazu' in a changing world—how certain cultural values remain 'aikawarazu' despite rapid technological shifts. You can analyze its use in classical or modern literature to understand how authors use the concept of 'no change' to develop themes of nostalgia, stagnation, or timelessness. Your usage is flawless, and you can even play with the word's structure for rhetorical effect. You understand the most obscure collocations and can use the word in any register, from the most casual slang to the most archaic formal speech. You might use it in a speech to acknowledge a long-standing partnership, or in a critique to point out systemic issues that remain 'aikawarazu' despite decades of reform. For a C2 learner, 'aikawarazu' is a versatile instrument in a vast linguistic orchestra, used to convey subtle shades of meaning that only those with the highest level of cultural and linguistic proficiency can grasp.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

相変わらず en 30 secondes

相変わらず (aikawarazu) is a versatile Japanese adverb meaning 'as usual' or 'as ever,' used to describe unchanging states over time.
It is a key component of natural Japanese greetings, often used to say 'I'm doing the same as always' (相変わらずです).
Grammatically, it functions as an adverb or a 'no-adjective' (相変わらずの) to modify verbs, adjectives, or nouns directly.
While usually neutral, it can carry a critical nuance if used to describe a lack of progress or a persistent bad habit.

The Japanese adverb 相変わらず (aikawarazu) is a foundational expression used to describe a state, habit, or situation that remains unchanged over a period of time. Etymologically, it is composed of '相' (ai - mutually/together), '変わる' (kawaru - to change), and the negative suffix 'ず' (zu - without). Thus, it literally translates to 'without change' or 'as it was before.' In practical usage, it is most frequently translated as 'as usual,' 'as ever,' or 'still.' It captures the essence of continuity, often bridging the gap between the last time two people met and the present moment.

Core Concept: The term implies a comparison between a past state and the current state, noting that no significant transformation has occurred. It is a 'bridge' word that acknowledges history.

彼は相変わらず元気そうだ。
(He seems healthy as usual.)

While often neutral or positive, the word can take on different nuances depending on the context. When used in greetings, it is a polite way to acknowledge someone's consistent well-being. However, if used with a critical tone, it can imply a lack of progress or a stubborn refusal to change. Understanding this word requires a grasp of Japanese social dynamics, where consistency is often valued, but stagnation can be viewed with subtle irony.

Grammatical Role: It functions primarily as an adverb, modifying verbs or adjectives. It can also function as a 'no-adjective' (相変わらずの) to modify nouns directly.

それは相変わらずの難問だ。
(That is a difficult problem, as always.)

In terms of CEFR levels, this word sits firmly at B1 because it requires the speaker to move beyond simple descriptions of the present and begin making temporal comparisons. It is a key component of natural-sounding Japanese, as it moves away from the textbook 'Genki desu' toward the more native 'Aikawarazu genki desu.' This shift reflects a deeper integration into the social fabric of Japanese communication, where shared history is constantly acknowledged.

あの店は相変わらず混んでいるね。
(That shop is crowded as usual, isn't it?)

Synonym Comparison: Unlike 'itsumo' (always), which describes a frequency, 'aikawarazu' describes a state relative to the past. It is more personal and observational.

彼は相変わらず遅刻してくる。
(He is late as usual.)

仕事は相変わらず忙しいですか？
(Is work busy as usual?)

Using 相変わらず correctly involves understanding its placement in a sentence and the specific contexts where it feels most natural. As an adverb, it typically appears before the verb or adjective it modifies. However, in Japanese conversation, it is very common to see it at the beginning of a sentence to set the stage for the observation of 'no change.'

Sentence Structure 1: Adverbial Use: [Subject] + [相変わらず] + [Adjective/Verb]. This is the most standard form. Example: '田中さんは相変わらずお元気です' (Mr. Tanaka is healthy as usual).

都会の夜は相変わらずにぎやかだ。
(The city night is lively as ever.)

One of the most powerful ways to use this word is as a standalone response. When someone asks 'How have you been?' (最近どうですか？), replying with '相変わらずです' (Aikawarazu desu) is a perfect way to say 'Nothing much has changed' or 'I'm doing the same as always.' It avoids the need for a long explanation while maintaining a polite and steady tone.

Sentence Structure 2: Noun Modification: [相変わらず] + [の] + [Noun]. This turns the adverb into a modifier for a noun. Example: '相変わらずの笑顔' (The same smile as always).

彼は相変わらずのわがままを言っている。
(He is saying selfish things as usual.)

In formal writing or business emails, '相変わらず' is often used in the opening greeting. For example, '相変わらずご清栄のこととお慶び申し上げます' is a set phrase meaning 'I am happy to hear that you are prospering as always.' This demonstrates the word's versatility across different registers of Japanese speech, from very casual to highly formal.

母は相変わらず料理が上手だ。
(My mother is a good cook as ever.)

Common Collocations: Commonly paired with '元気' (healthy), '忙しい' (busy), '綺麗' (beautiful), and '厳しい' (strict).

この景色は相変わらず美しい。
(This scenery is beautiful as ever.)

テストは相変わらず難しかった。
(The test was difficult as usual.)

You will encounter 相変わらず in almost every facet of Japanese life. It is perhaps most iconic in the context of reunions. When friends meet after months or years, the first thing they often say after 'Hisashiburi' (Long time no see) is an observation using 'aikawarazu.' It serves as a comforting confirmation of identity—that despite the passage of time, the core of the person or the place remains familiar.

In Daily Conversation: Used when catching up with neighbors, coworkers, or family. It acts as a social lubricant to acknowledge shared history.

「最近どう？」「まあ、相変わらずだよ。」
("How've you been lately?" "Well, same as always.")

In the workplace, '相変わらず' is used to describe ongoing projects, market conditions, or the habits of colleagues. A boss might say, 'The market is as tough as ever,' or a colleague might complain that a certain client is 'as demanding as usual.' It provides a baseline for expectations. If a situation *does* change, the absence of 'aikawarazu' is notable.

In Literature and News: Journalists use it to describe persistent social issues, such as 'the low birth rate remains unchanged' (少子化は相変わらず進んでいる).

景気は相変わらず良くない。
(The economy is still not good.)

You will also hear it in the service industry. A regular at a cafe might be greeted with, '相変わらずコーヒーですか？' (Coffee as usual?). This creates a sense of belonging and recognition. In this context, the word is a tool for building rapport and showing that the staff remembers the customer's preferences.

彼は相変わらず本ばかり読んでいる。
(He is doing nothing but reading books, as usual.)

週末は相変わらずキャンプに行きます。
(I go camping on weekends as usual.)

While 相変わらず is a versatile word, learners often trip up on its nuance and its distinction from other 'always' or 'still' words. The most common mistake is using it for a state that has *never* changed, rather than a state that has *remained* unchanged after a period of time. It requires a point of comparison in the past.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Itsumo': 'Itsumo' means 'always' (frequency). 'Aikawarazu' means 'as usual' (state comparison). You can't say 'I aikawarazu eat breakfast' if you mean you do it every day; that's 'itsumo.'

❌ 私は相変わらず朝ご飯を食べる。
✅ 私はいつも朝ご飯を食べる。

Another mistake is using it to describe a continuous action that hasn't stopped yet, which should be 'mada' (still). For example, if it's been raining for three hours and hasn't stopped, 'mada futte iru' is better than 'aikawarazu futte iru,' though the latter can be used if you left and came back to find it still raining.

Mistake 2: Tone Deafness: Using 'Aikawarazu' for someone's negative trait can sound rude if you aren't close. 'You are as stupid as ever' (相変わらず馬鹿だね) is highly offensive unless between best friends.

❌ 先生は相変わらず厳しいですね。
(Can be risky; might imply the teacher is 'stubbornly' strict.)

Finally, learners sometimes forget the 'no' (の) when using it as an adjective. 'Aikawarazu hito' is incorrect; it must be 'aikawarazu no hito.' This grammatical slip is common because the word feels like a complete thought on its own.

❌ 相変わらず生活
✅ 相変わらずの生活 (The same old life)

❌ 彼は相変わらずに走る。
✅ 彼は相変わらず走っている。

To truly master 相変わらず, you must distinguish it from its synonyms. Each carries a slightly different 'flavor' of unchangingness. While 'aikawarazu' is the most common for daily life, other words are better suited for formal reports, literary descriptions, or emphasizing negative stagnation.

1. 依然として (Izen to shite): This is a formal version of 'aikawarazu.' It is used in news reports or academic writing to describe situations that persist despite efforts to change them. It feels more objective and 'cold.'

犯人は依然として逃走中だ。
(The criminal is still at large.)

Another close relative is 'いつも通り' (Itsumo dōri), which means 'as per usual' or 'according to the usual routine.' While 'aikawarazu' focuses on the state not changing over a long gap, 'itsumo dōri' focuses on the routine being followed correctly today.

2. 相も変わらず (Ai-mo-kawarazu): By adding 'mo' (also/even), the speaker emphasizes the lack of change, often with a critical or exasperated nuance. It's like saying 'Still doing the same old thing...'

彼は相も変わらず無駄遣いをしている。
(He is still wasting money, same as ever.)

Finally, 'やはり' (yahari) or 'やっぱり' (yappari) can sometimes overlap. These mean 'as expected.' If you expect someone to be late and they are, you might say 'Yappari chikoku da' (As expected, he's late), which overlaps with 'Aikawarazu chikoku da' (Late as usual).

この映画はやはり面白い。
(This movie is interesting, as I thought.)

物価は依然として上昇している。
(Prices are still rising.)

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

相変わらず元気です。

I am healthy as usual.

Simple adverbial use.

彼は相変わらず優しい。

He is kind as ever.

Modifying an i-adjective.

相変わらず暑いですね。

It's hot as usual, isn't it?

Used for weather observations.

相変わらずコーヒーが好きです。

I still like coffee as usual.

Expressing a continuous preference.

あの店は相変わらず人気だ。

That shop is popular as ever.

Modifying a na-adjective.

相変わらず忙しいですか？

Are you busy as usual?

Question form.

彼女は相変わらず綺麗だ。

She is beautiful as ever.

Complimenting consistency.

テストは相変わらず難しい。

The test is difficult as usual.

Expressing a recurring difficulty.

週末は相変わらずテニスをします。

I play tennis on weekends as usual.

Describing a habit.

相変わらずの生活を送っています。

I am living the same life as usual.

Using 'no' to modify a noun.

彼は相変わらず遅れてきた。

He came late as usual.

Modifying a verb.

相変わらず料理が上手ですね。

You are a good cook as ever, aren't you?

Polite observation.

この本は相変わらず面白い。

This book is interesting as ever.

Re-reading a book.

相変わらず日本語を勉強しています。

I am still studying Japanese as usual.

Describing ongoing effort.

駅の前は相変わらず人が多い。

There are many people in front of the station as usual.

Describing a place.

父は相変わらずお酒が好きだ。

My father still likes alcohol as usual.

Describing a family member's habit.

仕事は相変わらず忙しいですが、楽しいです。

Work is busy as usual, but it's fun.

Contrastive sentence.

相変わらずの笑顔に安心しました。

I was relieved to see the same smile as ever.

Noun modification with emotional context.

あの二人は相変わらず仲がいいね。

Those two get along well as usual, don't they?

Observing a relationship.

相変わらず、朝はパンを食べています。

As usual, I eat bread in the morning.

Sentence-initial adverb.

彼は相変わらず自分の意見を曲げない。

He still doesn't change his opinion, as usual.

Describing a personality trait.

相変わらず、この街は夜もうるさい。

As usual, this city is noisy even at night.

Environmental observation.

彼女の歌声は相変わらず素晴らしい。

Her singing voice is wonderful as ever.

Modifying an adjective.

相変わらず、締め切りに追われています。

As usual, I'm being chased by deadlines.

Common workplace expression.

相変わらずご清栄のこととお慶び申し上げます。

I am happy to hear that you are prospering as always.

Highly formal set phrase.

景気は相変わらず低迷している。

The economy remains stagnant as ever.

Economic context.

彼は相も変わらず同じ間違いを繰り返している。

He is repeating the same mistake, same as ever.

Emphatic and slightly negative.

相変わらずの不景気で、ボーナスが減った。

Due to the usual bad economy, bonuses were cut.

Causal relationship.

その問題は相変わらず解決していない。

That problem remains unsolved as usual.

Describing a persistent issue.

彼女は相変わらず、周囲の期待に応え続けている。

She continues to meet the expectations of those around her, as ever.

Positive professional context.

相変わらずの毒舌に、思わず苦笑いした。

I couldn't help but smile wryly at the usual sharp tongue.

Describing a specific personality trait.

この地域は相変わらず交通の便が悪い。

Transportation in this area is as inconvenient as ever.

Social infrastructure observation.

伝統を守る姿勢は相変わらず揺るぎない。

The stance of protecting tradition remains as unwavering as ever.

Abstract and formal.

相変わらずの筆致に、彼の情熱を感じた。

I felt his passion in the same brushwork as ever.

Literary/Artistic context.

社会構造は相変わらず保守的なままだ。

The social structure remains conservative as ever.

Sociological observation.

彼は相変わらず、時代の先を行こうとしている。

He is still trying to stay ahead of the times, as usual.

Describing an ambitious trait.

相変わらずの多忙を極める毎日だ。

Every day is extremely busy, as usual.

Sophisticated phrasing.

その政治家は相変わらず、曖昧な返答に終始した。

The politician stuck to vague answers as usual.

Critical political observation.

相変わらずの冷徹な判断に驚かされた。

I was surprised by the same cold and calculated judgment as ever.

Describing a mental state.

この作家の作品は相変わらず、読者を不安にさせる。

This author's works continue to make readers feel uneasy, as usual.

Literary criticism.

宇宙の真理は相変わらず、我々の理解を超えている。

The truths of the universe remain, as ever, beyond our understanding.

Philosophical context.

人間関係の機微は相変わらず、一筋縄ではいかない。

The subtleties of human relationships remain, as usual, not easily handled.

Idiomatic and sophisticated.

相変わらずの静謐な佇まいに、心が洗われるようだ。

The same serene appearance as ever seems to cleanse the soul.

High-level aesthetic description.

歴史は相変わらず、同じ過ちを繰り返す傾向にある。

History tends to repeat the same mistakes, as ever.

Historical reflection.

彼の理論は相変わらず、学界に波紋を広げている。

His theory continues to cause a stir in the academic world, as usual.

Academic context.

相変わらずの独創的な発想には、脱帽するしかない。

I can only take my hat off to the same original ideas as ever.

Expressing deep respect.

この国は相変わらず、多様性と伝統の狭間で揺れている。

This country is still swaying between diversity and tradition, as usual.

Complex social analysis.

相変わらずの不条理な現実に、彼は立ち向かい続けた。

He continued to face the same absurd reality as ever.

Existential/Literary context.

Collocations courantes

相変わらず元気

相変わらず忙しい

相変わらず綺麗

相変わらず難しい

相変わらず混んでいる

相変わらずの人気

相変わらずの笑顔

相変わらず厳しい

相変わらず下手

相変わらず静か

Phrases Courantes

相変わらずですね

相変わらずです

相変わらず元気？

相変わらずの毎日

相変わらずお忙しい

相変わらずのわがまま

相変わらず美味しい

相変わらずの風景

相変わらずの調子

相変わらずのメンバー

Souvent confondu avec

相変わらず vs いつも

相変わらず vs まだ

相変わらず vs 依然として

Expressions idiomatiques

Facile à confondre

相変わらず vs

Structures de phrases

Famille de mots

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

negative nuance

Can be critical in certain contexts.

past comparison

Requires a prior reference point.

state vs frequency

Focuses on state, not how often.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'aikawarazu' for frequency.
Omitting 'no' before a noun.
Using it for someone you've never met.
Confusing with 'mada' for continuous rain.
Using it rudely with superiors.

Astuces

Greeting Master

Use 'Aikawarazu desu' when you want to be humble about your life. It's a safe, steady answer.

The 'No' Rule

Always remember 'aikawarazu + no + noun'. It's a frequent test item and makes your writing look sharp.

Tone Check

Be careful using it for negative traits of others. It can sound like you've given up on them ever changing.

Email Opener

Start business emails with 'Aikawarazu...' to show you value the long-term relationship with the client.

Pairing

Learn it with 'genki' and 'isogashii' first. These are the most common pairings you will hear.

Anime Cues

When a character sighs and says 'Aikawarazu da ne,' they are usually talking about a friend's predictable antics.

Stability

Understand that in Japan, being 'unchanged' is often a compliment. It implies you are reliable and true to yourself.

vs Itsumo

Think: Itsumo = 100% of the time. Aikawarazu = 100% the same as last time. There's a big difference!

Emphatic Form

Try using 'Ai-mo-kawarazu' when you want to sound more expressive or slightly dramatic about a situation.

Regular Customer

If you go to the same cafe, the staff might use it for your order. It's a sign you've become a 'regular'!

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Japanese

Contexte culturel

Generally polite, but watch the tone.

Acknowledges shared history.

Standard in seasonal greetings.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"相変わらずお忙しいですか？"

"相変わらずテニスは続けていますか？"

"あの店、相変わらず混んでますね。"

"相変わらずお綺麗ですね。"

"最近どう？相変わらず？"

Sujets d'écriture

相変わらず続けている習慣は何ですか？

相変わらず好きな食べ物について書いてください。

相変わらず仲の良い友達について紹介してください。

相変わらず解決しない悩みはありますか？

10年後も相変わらずでありたいことは何ですか？

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, it is very common to use it for yourself when someone asks how you are. Saying 'Aikawarazu desu' means 'I'm doing the same as usual.' It's a humble and steady way to respond. It avoids bragging or complaining too much. Just make sure the context is about your general state.

Yes, it is generally polite, especially in written greetings. However, when speaking, adding 'okagesamade' (thanks to you) makes it much better. For example, 'Okagesamade aikawarazu genki desu.' Without the extra politeness, it might sound a bit too casual depending on your relationship.

The main difference is focus. 'Itsumo' focuses on frequency (I always do this). 'Aikawarazu' focuses on a comparison with the past (I am still doing this, just like before). You wouldn't say 'I aikawarazu brush my teeth' unless you had stopped and then started again.

Yes, it can. If you say 'He is aikawarazu late,' it implies he hasn't improved his bad habit. The form 'ai-mo-kawarazu' is even more likely to be negative. It suggests that despite time passing, no progress or change for the better has occurred.

You must use the particle 'no.' For example, 'aikawarazu no hito' (the same person as ever) or 'aikawarazu no isogashisa' (the usual busyness). Without 'no,' it doesn't function correctly as a noun modifier. This is a very common mistake for intermediate learners.

Use 'izen to shite' in formal writing, news reports, or academic papers. It sounds more objective and serious. 'Aikawarazu' is much more common in daily conversation and personal or business emails. Think of 'izen to shite' as the 'scientific' version of the word.

Not at all. It simply means 'unchanged.' If a situation was bad before and is still bad, you use 'aikawarazu.' For example, 'The economy is aikawarazu bad.' It is a neutral word that takes its color from the adjective or verb it modifies.

Yes! 'Aikawarazu atsui desu ne' (It's hot as usual, isn't it?) is a very common way to start a conversation during a long heatwave. It acknowledges that the weather has been consistently hot for a while. It's a great social lubricant.

No, because 'aikawarazu' requires a past point of comparison. If you just met someone, you don't know what they were like before. You can only use it for people, places, or things that you have encountered at least once in the past.

The opposite would be something that indicates a total change, like 'ippen shite' (completely changed) or 'samagawari shite' (transformed). These words emphasize that the current state is nothing like the past state, which is the exact opposite of 'aikawarazu.'