Still, already, originally
Core words, Stage 1chunk 44 of 55Adverbs: manner and certainty
Lets you compare now with how things were before.
- aikawarazuas always; same as ever; still
- motomotooriginally; to begin with; by nature
- tokku nilong ago; already (well before now)
- imada nistill (even now); to this day
Mix-ups Imada ni (still) and tokku ni (long ago) point in opposite directions.
aikawarazu
as always; same as ever; still
Often a friendly remark that someone hasn't changed; can also tease.
Aikawarazu da ne on its own means 'same old you'.
aikawarazu genki da ne.
You're as lively as ever.
相変わらず元気だね。
aikawarazu ogenki desu ne.
You're as well as ever.
相変わらずお元気ですね。
Written 相変わらず · あいかわらずRank #960 in 3,030 TV dramas
motomoto
originally; to begin with; by nature
Points back to how things were before, or how someone has always been.
Motomoto wa often contrasts with now: motomoto wa kissaten datta, 'it used to be a café'.
motomoto amai mono wa suki ja nai n da.
I've never liked sweets to begin with.
もともと甘いものは好きじゃないんだ。
motomoto amai mono wa suki ja nai n desu.
I've never really liked sweet things.
もともと甘いものは好きじゃないんです。
Written もともとRank #1120 in 3,030 TV dramas
tokku ni
long ago; already (well before now)
Stresses something happened way earlier than the other person thinks.
Stronger than mou, 'already', often with a hint of 'obviously'.
sonna no tokku ni shitteru yo.
I've known that for ages.
そんなのとっくに知ってるよ。
sore wa tokku ni shitte imasu yo.
I've known that for a long time.
それはとっくに知っていますよ。
Written とっくにRank #1613 in 3,030 TV dramas
imada ni
still (even now); to this day
Stresses something has dragged on longer than it should, often with surprise or annoyance.
Stronger than mada, 'still'.
imada ni shinjirarenai yo.
I still can't believe it.
いまだに信じられないよ。
imada ni shinjiraremasen.
I still can't believe it.
いまだに信じられません。
Written いまだにRank #2247 in 3,030 TV dramas