相変わらず (aikawarazu): A Compliment or a Subtle Jab?

Have you ever met an old friend after many years and exclaimed, "Wow, you haven't changed at all!"? Or seen your best friend stick to a 'god-awful' habit from the old days and just sighed, "Still at it, huh?"

In Japanese, there's a 'magical' word that encapsulates all these feelings: 相変わらず (aikawarazu). This isn't just a vocabulary word; it's a 'catalyst' that shows familiarity and understanding between people who have known each other for a long time. 😉

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💖 When 相変わらず is a warm compliment

When used to talk about a good quality, 相変わらず becomes a very meaningful compliment. It not only praises the present but also shows that you remember and cherish their good qualities from the past.

Example:

👩: 「久しぶり！相変わらず綺麗だね！」 (It's been a while! You're as beautiful as ever!)

👨: 「山田さんは相変わらず仕事が早いですね。尊敬します。」 (Mr. Yamada, you're as fast at your work as always. I really admire that.)

Here, 相変わらず shows recognition that a valuable quality (beauty, competence) has been maintained. It's much warmer and more personal than a regular compliment.

😑 When 相変わらず is a gentle jab

Now for the fun part! When used to talk about a habit, especially a bad one, 相変わらず carries a nuance of light sarcasm, teasing, or a bit of helplessness.

Example:

👱‍♂️: 「ごめん、また遅刻しちゃった！」 (Sorry, I'm late again!) 👩‍🦰: 「もう、相変わらずなんだから〜」 (Oh you, same as always~)

A: 「今月もお金がピンチ…」 (I'm broke again this month...) B: 「お前は相変わらずだな（笑）」(You never change, do you? (laughs))

In these cases, 相変わらず is a way of saying "I knew it!" or "Nothing new here!" It's a friendly 'call-out' between people who know each other too well, expressing exasperation but also a sense of familiarity.

✨ Pro Tip

The beauty of 相変わらず is that it's a neutral word. Its nuance depends entirely on the context and what you're talking about.

• Talking about a good point ➞ A compliment, admiration.
• Talking about a bad point/habit ➞ Friendly teasing, a jab.

This is a very 'real-life' word that you'll hear constantly in daily conversations in Japan. Mastering it will not only make your Japanese better but also help you express a deep connection and understanding with the person you're talking to. Try listening for and using it! 👍