항상
hangssang
always (without exception)
자주
jaju
often / frequently
항상 vs 자주: Always vs Often in Korean
항상 means always, implying something happens every time without exception, while 자주 means often or frequently, implying high but not absolute regularity.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| 항상 (hangssang) | 자주 (jaju) | |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency Level | 100% — every single time | High frequency — but not always |
| Exceptions Allowed? | No — implies no exceptions | Yes — just means it happens a lot |
| Similar English Word | Always / at all times | Often / frequently / a lot |
| Typical Context | Absolute habits, universal truths, heartfelt expressions | Regular but not constant habits |
| Negation | 항상 ~지 않다 (never — strong statement) | 자주 ~지 않다 (not often) |
Examples in Context
Saying you always wash your hands before eating — using 항상
저는 항상 밥 먹기 전에 손을 씻어요.
I always wash my hands before eating.
Saying you often go to that cafe — using 자주
저는 그 카페에 자주 가요.
I often go to that cafe.
Expressing you always support someone — using 항상
나는 항상 네 편이야.
I am always on your side.
Asking if someone frequently visits their hometown — using 자주
고향에 자주 가요?
Do you go to your hometown often?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Using 항상 when something happens regularly but not every single time — 자주 is more accurate for high-frequency events with exceptions.
- ✗Using 자주 for absolute statements in heartfelt expressions (e.g., 'I will always love you') — 항상 is the right word for unconditional or absolute commitment.
- ✗Confusing 항상 with 언제나, which is a near-synonym — both mean always, but 언제나 has a slightly more literary tone.
- ✗Placing these adverbs at the end of a sentence — they naturally come before the verb or at the beginning of the sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 언제나 the same as 항상?
They are very close in meaning. 항상 is more conversational, while 언제나 is slightly more literary or poetic. Both mean 'always.'
What adverb means 'sometimes' in contrast to 항상 and 자주?
가끔 means sometimes or occasionally, which is lower in frequency than 자주. The scale goes: 항상 > 자주 > 가끔 > 거의 안 > 절대 안.
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