しょっちゅう

• Reading: しょっちゅう
• Romaji: shocchuu
• Pronunciation: /ɕoʔ.tɕɯː/

Meaning

Always; all the time; constantly; frequently. Emphasises habitual repetition, often with a nuance of excess.

A casual adverb meaning 'all the time' or 'constantly,' often implying that the frequency is somewhat excessive or annoying. Stronger than よく (often) but less formal than 常に (constantly). Typically used in spoken language and informal writing. Common in complaints or observations about habitual behaviour.

Examples

1. 彼はしょっちゅう遅刻してくる。 He's late all the time.
2. 最近しょっちゅう頭痛がするので病院に行こうと思う。 I've been getting headaches constantly lately, so I'm thinking of going to the doctor.
3. あの二人はしょっちゅうけんかしている。 Those two are always fighting.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, complaints, conversation

Tone: exasperated

Origin & History

Derived from 初中後 (shochūgo, beginning-middle-end), which was shortened and altered to しょっちゅう, conveying the sense of 'from start to finish' and thus 'all the time.' The geminate っ adds emphasis to the constant nature.

Cultural Context

Era: Early Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal