Meanings of 时不时
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Podcast: 时不时
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AI study notes for 时不时
时常 (shícháng) is used for actions that happen frequently or regularly, while 时不时 (shíbùshí) indicates a more sporadic occurrence.
Be mindful that 时不时 is more informal and may not be suitable for very formal writing. Common collocations include '时不时来' (to come from time to time) and '时不时想起' (to think of occasionally). Avoid confusion with '有时' (yǒu shí), which means 'sometimes' and suggests a slightly more regular occurrence.
While 时不时 is not specifically an HSK word, it is a useful phrase for learners at HSK 3 or 4 who are expanding their vocabulary for time-related expressions. Focus on using it in sentences to illustrate its meaning clearly.
Learners often confuse 时不时 with '时常' (shí cháng), which means 'often.' For example, saying '我时常去看他' would imply more frequency than intended if you meant to say 'from time to time.' Correct usage would be '我时不时去看他.'
Pronunciation of 时不时
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Component characters
How to say from time to time in Chinese
“from time to time” in Chinese is时不时
时不时 (shí bù shí) means 'from time to time' and is used to describe actions that occur occasionally rather than regularly. It captures the idea of something happening intermittently, often in a casual or informal context.
When to use 时不时
Be mindful that 时不时 is more informal and may not be suitable for very formal writing. Common collocations include '时不时来' (to come from time to time) and '时不时想起' (to think of occasionally). Avoid confusion with '有时' (yǒu shí), which means 'sometimes' and suggests a slightly more regular occurrence.
时不时 or something close to it
时常 (shícháng) is used for actions that happen frequently or regularly, while 时不时 (shíbùshí) indicates a more sporadic occurrence.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 时不时 with '时常' (shí cháng), which means 'often.' For example, saying '我时常去看他' would imply more frequency than intended if you meant to say 'from time to time.' Correct usage would be '我时不时去看他.'
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Frequently asked questions about 时不时
It is better suited for informal contexts, so avoid using it in formal essays or official documents.
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