French Phrase
Pas vraiment, comme d'habitude.
Meaning
A short, slightly resigned reply meaning “Not really, as usual.” It conveys that something isn’t exactly as expected, but that this is the normal pattern.
When to use
Use this sentence when someone asks for your opinion or reaction and you want to say the answer is only partially positive, while also noting that this is the typical outcome.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Pasvraiment,commed'habitude
Negation with *pas*
*Pas* is used to negate a statement, often paired with *ne* in formal French, but in spoken French the *ne* is dropped.
Adverb *vraiment*
*Vraiment* means “really” and modifies the verb or the whole clause, indicating degree.
Idiomatic phrase *comme d'habitude*
Literally “as habit”, it means “as usual” and is a set expression used to comment on routine or expected behavior.
🗨In Conversation
Tu as aimé le nouveau restaurant?
Did you like the new restaurant?
Pas vraiment, comme d'habitude.
Not really, as usual.
✕Common Mistakes
Pas vraiment comme d'habitude.
Missing the comma changes the rhythm and can make the phrase sound like a single clause, which is less natural.
Pas vraiment comme d’habitude.
The apostrophe is correct, but learners sometimes write *d’habitude* without the space after the comma, which is fine; the real mistake is using *pas vraiment comme d’habitude* without the pause.
Pas vraiment, comme d’habitude ?
Adding a question mark turns a statement into a question, which changes the meaning. The phrase is a declarative response, not a question.
↔Alternatives
Pas vraiment, comme toujours.
Not really, as always.
Pas vraiment, c’est habituel.
Not really, that's typical.
Pas vraiment, comme d’habitude.
Not really, as usual.
Cultural Tip
The expression *comme d'habitude* is very common in everyday French and can be used both sincerely and sarcastically. It’s informal, so avoid it in very formal writing or speeches. In some regions, speakers may drop the apostrophe and say *comme d’habitude* with a slightly more relaxed pronunciation.