How to say "ordinarily" in Japanese

Choosing the right word
  • たいていJLPT N4approx.Common
    na-adjective, adverb, nounCovers 'ordinarily' in the sense of 'usually, in most cases' when describing habits or what typically happens. A common conversational choice, written in kana alone.
    X記号きごうは数学すうがくではたいてい未知数みちすうを表あらわす。↗
    The symbol "x" usually stands for an unknown quantity in mathematics.
  • 常時じょうじCommon
    noun, adverbMatches 'ordinarily' but leans toward 'always, constantly', describing something maintained at all times, such as continuous service or access. Use it when the meaning is closer to 'around the clock' than 'usually'.
    彼かれは常時じょうじ彼かれの才能さいのうをねたむ人々ひとびとから中傷ちゅうしょうされることにうんざりしていた。↗
    He was sick of being vilified all the time by people who were jealous of his ability.
  • 普通ふつうJLPT N4approx.Common
    adverbCovers 'ordinarily' as 'normally, in the ordinary way', often commenting that something is done the usual or unremarkable way. Fits both habits and judgments of normality.
    彼女かのじょは普通ふつう9時じに寝ねる。↗
    She usually goes to bed at nine.
  • 平素へいそCommon
    adverbA formal word for 'ordinarily, normally, usually', best suited to written or ceremonious prose such as formal correspondence. In everyday speech it is seldom the word you want.

For everyday 'usually', pick 「たいてい」 or 普通; 常時 suits 'always/around the clock'; 平素 is a formal written equivalent of 'normally'.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents
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JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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