Not always Meaning in English
expression
ˈnɑt/ /ˈɔɫˌweɪz/, /ˈɔɫwiz
NAHT AWL-wayz
nˈɒt/ /ˈɔːlweɪz
not AWL-wayz
Definition
Used to show that something does not happen all the time, or is not true in every case.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and neutral; commonly at the start or middle of a sentence. Often used to soften general statements or express exceptions. Similar in use to 'sometimes,' but implies irregularity or exceptionality rather than frequency.
Spanish: no siemprePortuguese (BR): nem semprePortuguese (PT): nem sempreChinese (Simplified): 并不总是Chinese (Traditional): 並不總是Hindi: हमेशा नहींArabic: ليس دائماًBengali: সবসময় নয় - সব সময়ই নাRussian: не всегдаJapanese: いつも～とは限らないVietnamese: không phải lúc nào cũngKorean: 항상 ~은 아니다Turkish: her zaman değilUrdu: ہمیشہ نہیںIndonesian: tidak selalu
Example Sentences
It's not always easy to understand math.
basic
She is not always at home in the evenings.
basic
The weather is not always sunny in summer.
basic
You’re not always going to get what you want.
natural
He’s friendly, but not always in a good mood.
natural
People think I’m patient, but that’s not always true.
natural