In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe someone who cries frequently or easily.
- Combines 'always' (itsumo) with the verb 'to cry' (naku).
- Can be used humorously, affectionately, or as a simple observation.
Meaning
This phrase describes someone who cries very easily or very often. It is like calling someone a 'softie' or saying they are prone to tears whenever things get emotional.
Key Examples
3 of 6Watching a sad movie with a friend
この映画を見ると、いつも泣くんだよね。
I always cry when I watch this movie.
Talking about a newborn baby
赤ちゃんはいつも泣くのが仕事です。
For a baby, crying all the time is their job.
Describing a very sensitive colleague politely
彼女は感動すると、いつも泣きます。
She always cries when she is moved.
Cultural Background
While Japan has a reputation for being stoic, the culture actually embraces 'cathartic crying' through media and 'rui-katsu' (tear-activity) groups. This phrase is often used affectionately to describe someone who is easily moved by beauty or kindness, not just sadness.
The 'Chau' Factor
If you want to sound more like a native, use `いつも泣いちゃう`. It sounds less like a cold fact and more like you're admitting to a cute or uncontrollable habit.
Avoid Mockery
Be careful with your tone. If you say it with a smirk, it can sound like you are calling someone weak or annoying. Use a soft voice to keep it friendly.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe someone who cries frequently or easily.
- Combines 'always' (itsumo) with the verb 'to cry' (naku).
- Can be used humorously, affectionately, or as a simple observation.
What It Means
いつも泣く is a very straightforward way to describe a frequent crier. It implies a pattern of behavior. You are not just saying someone is crying right now. You are saying they have a habit of it. It is like that friend who leaks tears at every single wedding. Or the person who cries during every Pixar movie. It is simple, punchy, and very common in daily talk.
How To Use It
Using this phrase is easy because the grammar is basic. You just put the person first. 田中さんはいつも泣く means 'Tanaka-san always cries.' If you want to sound more natural, you might say いつも泣いちゃう. This adds a feeling of 'I can't help it.' It makes the crying sound more like an uncontrollable reflex. You can use it for yourself, your friends, or even your dog if they are dramatic.
When To Use It
Use this when you are watching a movie with friends. It is perfect for describing a character in a drama. You can use it when talking about babies, too. Babies are the kings of いつも泣く. It also works well in lighthearted gossip. 'Did you see him at the party? He always cries when he drinks!' It is a great way to bond over shared emotions.
When NOT To Use It
Be careful with this one. Do not use it if someone is going through a real tragedy. If someone just lost a pet, saying いつも泣く sounds dismissive. It makes their genuine pain sound like a mere habit. Also, avoid using it in high-level business reports. It is a bit too casual for a formal performance review. You do not want to tell your boss they 'always cry' during budget meetings!
Cultural Background
In Japan, there is a trend called rui-katsu or 'tear-seeking.' People actually go to events to cry together to relieve stress. Because of this, being someone who いつも泣く isn't always seen as weak. Sometimes, it means you have a 'pure heart.' However, traditional 'stoic' Japan still exists. Some people might still find frequent crying a bit much in public. It is a balance between being 'human' and keeping your 'cool.'
Common Variations
If you want to call someone a 'crybaby,' use 泣き虫 (naki-mushi). If they cry at the drop of a hat, use すぐ泣く (sugu naku). For those times you are 'about to cry,' use 泣きそう (naki-sou). If someone is really wailing, the word is 号泣 (goukyuu). Each one adds a different flavor to the tears!
Usage Notes
The phrase is grammatically simple (Adverb + Verb). It is mostly used in casual or neutral settings; for formal situations, ensure you use the polite `-masu` form.
The 'Chau' Factor
If you want to sound more like a native, use `いつも泣いちゃう`. It sounds less like a cold fact and more like you're admitting to a cute or uncontrollable habit.
Avoid Mockery
Be careful with your tone. If you say it with a smirk, it can sound like you are calling someone weak or annoying. Use a soft voice to keep it friendly.
The 'Naki-mushi' Secret
In Japan, calling a child a `泣き虫` (naki-mushi/crybaby) is often done playfully. It's not always a harsh insult like 'crybaby' can be in English.
Examples
6この映画を見ると、いつも泣くんだよね。
I always cry when I watch this movie.
The 'ndayone' ending adds a conversational, explanatory tone.
赤ちゃんはいつも泣くのが仕事です。
For a baby, crying all the time is their job.
A common Japanese idiom used to comfort tired parents.
彼女は感動すると、いつも泣きます。
She always cries when she is moved.
Uses the polite 'masu' form for a professional yet warm observation.
あの俳優の演技、いつも泣ける！
That actor's acting always makes me cry!
Uses the potential form 'nakeru' to mean 'makes one cry.'
玉ねぎを切ると、いつも泣く。悲しくないのに！
I always cry when I cut onions. Even though I'm not sad!
A relatable, lighthearted use of the phrase.
お父さんはいつも泣かないのに、今日は泣いている。
Dad never cries, but he's crying today.
Uses the negative 'nakanai' to create a contrast with the current moment.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence to say 'My younger sister always cries.'
妹は ___ 泣く。
`いつも` means 'always,' while `ときどき` is 'sometimes' and `ぜんぜん` is 'never' (with negative).
Choose the most natural ending for 'I end up crying every time.'
いつも ___。
`泣いちゃう` (naichau) is a common contraction of `泣いてしまう`, expressing an involuntary action.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels of 'Always Cry'
Used with close friends or family.
いつも泣いちゃう (Itsumo naichau)
Standard dictionary form.
いつも泣く (Itsumo naku)
Polite conversation with acquaintances.
いつも泣きます (Itsumo nakimasu)
When to say 'Itsumo Naku'
Movie Theater
Crying at sad scenes
Kitchen
Cutting onions
Nursery
Describing a baby
Weddings
Being moved by speeches
Practice Bank
2 exercises妹は ___ 泣く。
`いつも` means 'always,' while `ときどき` is 'sometimes' and `ぜんぜん` is 'never' (with negative).
いつも ___。
`泣いちゃう` (naichau) is a common contraction of `泣いてしまう`, expressing an involuntary action.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt depends on the tone! It's usually neutral or friendly, but if said mockingly, it can be offensive.
Yes! It’s very common to say 私、いつも泣くんだ (I always cry) when talking about your personality.
Just change naku to nakimasu. For example: いつも泣きます (Itsumo nakimasu).
いつも泣く is a verb phrase (always cry), while 泣き虫 (naki-mushi) is a noun (crybaby).
Yes, but it's clearer if you add 嬉しくて (ureshikute), like 嬉しくていつも泣く (I always cry because I'm happy).
Yes, 号泣する (goukyuu suru) means to sob or wail loudly.
You can say 涙もろい (namida-moroi), which literally means 'brittle tears' or 'easily moved to tears.'
Sure! If your dog whines a lot, you can say この犬はいつも泣く (This dog always cries/whines).
Use 泣きそうになった (naki-sou ni natta).
Younger people might use ぴえん (pien) as a cute, slangy way to express crying in texts.
Related Phrases
泣き虫
Crybaby
涙もろい
Easily moved to tears / Sentimental
すぐ泣く
Cries immediately/easily
泣きそう
Looks like one is about to cry
