Toujours is a French word that means "always." It is pronounced as /tu.ʒuʁ/ in IPA transcription. The spelling of the word is derived from Old French and has remained relatively consistent throughout the centuries. The "tou" sound is spelled with a "t" and "ou" vowel combination, while the "jours" sound is spelled with a "j" and "our" vowel combination. The placement of the "s" at the end of the word is typical of French orthography and indicates that the word is masculine.
Toujours is a French adverb that typically translates to "always" in English. Derived from the Old French word "touz jours," which means "all day," toujours is used to indicate continuity, permanence, or a constant state of being.
As an adverb, toujours modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to express a consistent or ongoing action or occurrence. It can be used to convey an uninterrupted and unchanging condition, regardless of the passage of time. For example, "Elle chante toujours" translates to "She always sings."
Toujours can also be used to express an unchanging attitude, opinion, or characteristic. In this context, it suggests an unwavering stance that remains consistent over time. For instance, "Il est toujours gentil" translates to "He is always kind."
Furthermore, toujours can denote a constant presence or availability. It can indicate that someone or something is continuously there, reliable, or constantly accessible. For instance, "Il est toujours là pour moi" translates to "He is always there for me."
In informal speech, toujours can also take on additional meanings such as "still," "ever," or "yet," depending on the context. Overall, toujours is a versatile adverb that encompasses the ideas of consistency, permanence, and continuity.
The word toujours comes from the Old French phrase tote jours which can be translated as all days or every day. It is a compound of the words tote meaning all or every, and jours meaning days. Over time, tote jours evolved and contracted into the modern French word toujours, retaining its overall meaning of always or forever.