всё время vs всегда
vsyo vremya vs vsegda — all the time vs always
Register: neutral / colloquial
What it really means
Всё время literally means "all the time" and focuses on the entire duration of a particular period or on something happening continuously: "Он спал всё время" (He slept the whole time). Всегда means "always" and describes a regular, consistent pattern across occasions, or something that is true at all times.
The expressions often overlap in English, but their viewpoint differs. Use всё время when you have a specific stretch of time in mind or want to complain that an action continues constantly. Use всегда for a habit, rule, or timeless/general statement.
Examples in natural speech
Он молчал всё время поездки.
He was silent for the whole trip.
Я всё время думаю об этом.
I keep thinking about it all the time.
Она всегда приходит вовремя.
She always arrives on time.
Мы всегда завтракаем вместе.
We always have breakfast together.
Дождь шёл всё время.
It rained the entire time.
Ты всегда можешь мне позвонить.
You can always call me.
Common mistakes
Do not use всегда when you mean that something continued throughout one event: "Он спал всегда во время фильма" sounds like a permanent habit; say "всё время во время фильма." Conversely, a routine such as "Я всегда пью кофе утром" calls for всегда, not the duration phrase всё время.
Memory tip
Всё время fills one stretch of time; всегда covers every occasion or all time generally.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between всё время and всегда in Russian?
Всё время means all through a particular period or continuously. Всегда means always, covering every occasion or describing a stable habit or truth.
How do you say all the time in Russian?
Use "всё время" when an action continues throughout a period: "Он смеялся всё время" (He laughed the whole time). For a repeated habit, "всегда" may be more natural.
How do you say I always do that in Russian?
Say "Я всегда так делаю." Всегда marks the repeated pattern, not one continuous stretch of time.
Note: This site uses JavaScript for interactive drills, audio playback, and progress tracking. Please enable JavaScript for the full experience.