始終

• Reading: しじゅう
• Romaji: shijuu
• Kanji breakdown: 始 (shi/haji) — beginning, start; 終 (shuu/o) — end, finish
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.dʑɯː/

Meaning

Continuously; constantly; all the time; from beginning to end.

An adverb and noun meaning 'from start to finish' or 'constantly.' In its adverbial use, it describes something that happens repeatedly or without interruption, often with a nuance of annoyance or exasperation. Composed of 始 (beginning) and 終 (end), literally spanning the entire duration. Slightly more literary than いつも or ずっと.

Examples

1. 彼は始終スマホをいじっていて話を聞いていない。 He's constantly messing around on his phone and not listening.
2. 隣の部屋から始終音楽が聞こえてきて眠れなかった。 Music was coming from the next room constantly, and I couldn't sleep.
3. 母は始終忙しそうにしている。 My mom always looks like she's busy.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, complaints, description

Tone: emphatic

Origin & History

Composed of 始 (shi, beginning) and 終 (juu/shuu, end). Literally 'from beginning to end,' conveying the idea of something continuous throughout the entire span.

Cultural Context

Era: Pre-modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal