たいてい

• Reading: たいてい
• Romaji: taitei
• Pronunciation: /ta.i.te.i/

Meaning

Usually; generally; for the most part. Describes what happens in most cases.

An adverb, na-adjective, and noun indicating that something is true in the majority of cases. Similar to ふつう but focuses more on frequency than normalcy. たいていの人 (most people), たいてい七時に起きる (usually wake up at seven). Can also function as a na-adjective meaning ordinary: たいていのことは驚かない (not surprised by ordinary things).

Examples

1. 朝はたいてい七時に起きます。 I usually wake up at seven in the morning.
2. 週末はたいてい家でゆっくりしています。 On weekends, I generally take it easy at home.
3. 日曜日はたいてい友達と遊びます。 On Sundays, I usually hang out with friends.

Usage Guide

Context: daily routines, habits, generalisation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Written 大抵 in kanji, where 大 means big/great and 抵 means resist or reach. Together they convey the sense of reaching a general standard — what broadly holds true in most situations.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal