常時

• Reading: じょうじ
• Romaji: jouji
• Kanji breakdown: 常 (jou) — constant, always; 時 (ji) — time
• Pronunciation: /dʑoː.dʑi/

Meaning

Usually; ordinarily; always; at all times. Indicates a continuous or habitual state.

A Sino-Japanese compound used as a noun or adverb meaning 'at all times' or 'ordinarily.' More formal than いつも and often appears in written language, announcements, and technical contexts. Common in phrases like 常時接続 (always-on connection) and 常時監視 (constant monitoring).

Examples

1. このサーバーは常時稼働している。 This server is running at all times.
2. 常時五十人以上のスタッフが勤務している。 More than fifty staff members are on duty at any given time.
3. 防犯カメラで常時監視されている地域もある。 There are areas where security cameras provide constant surveillance.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, business, security

Tone: informative

Origin & History

From Chinese 常時, combining 常 (always, constant) and 時 (time). The compound has been used in literary Japanese since the classical period to express a perpetual or habitual temporal state.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal