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ずっと
zutto
continuously
彼はずっと日本に住んでいます。
He has been living in Japan continuously.
neutral
continuously or consistently over a period of time
彼女はずっとこの仕事をしています。
She has been doing this job continuously.
ずっと前から知っていました。
I've known it since a long time ago.
Often used with verbs in the present continuous or past tense to emphasize duration.
neutral
all along or throughout the entire time
ずっと一緒にいたい。
I want to stay together with you all the time.
ずっと待っていました。
I've been waiting the whole time.
Can imply a sense of patience or persistence in waiting.
neutral
by far or much more (with comparative adjectives)
彼は私よりずっと背が高い。
He is much taller than me.
この本はずっと面白い。
This book is far more interesting.
Used to emphasize a significant difference in degree.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Emphasizing Duration
Use ずっと with verbs in the present continuous or past tense to emphasize that an action has been ongoing for a long time or will continue indefinitely. Example: ずっと待っていました (I've been waiting the whole time).
Gold Rule
Comparison with Adjectives
When used with comparative adjectives, ずっと emphasizes a significant difference in degree. Example: ずっと高い (much higher).
Word Origin
From the adverbial form of the adjective ずる (zuru, 'long, lengthy') with the particle と (to) indicating manner or state. The modern usage evolved from Old Japanese to emphasize duration or consistency.
Usage Notes
ずっと is a versatile adverb that can modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. It often appears in contexts involving time, persistence, or comparison. In casual speech, it can sometimes imply a sense of impatience or longing when used with verbs like 待つ (to wait).
Word Breakdown
ず
long, lengthy
rootと
adverbial particle indicating manner or state
particle和英辞典