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March 24, 2026
平时(平時)píngshí(ping2shi2)
平时 (píngshí) refers to the time when things are normal or routine, often used to contrast with extraordinary circumstances. It can indicate how things usually are, particularly in a casual or everyday context. This term is frequently used when discussing habits or regular activities.
Strokes12Frequency#3335DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In China, the concept of 平时 is significant during festivals or holidays when routines change. The phrase is frequently used to discuss how life differs during events like the Spring Festival compared to everyday life.
Memory Tip
Imagine a calm and flat '平' (flat) surface representing normalcy, and '时' (time) as a clock ticking steadily. Together, they symbolize the ordinary flow of time, making it easy to remember that 平时 means 'ordinarily' or 'in normal times'.
Meanings of 平时
píngshí(ping2shi2)
1ordinarily
2in normal times
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 平时
平时Simplified
平時Traditional
12Strokes
—Radical
时间词time word (t.)Part of Speech
#3335Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 平时
Podcast: 平时
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AI Study Notes for 平时
Quick Contrast
平常 (píngcháng) vs 平时 (píngshí): use 平时 when emphasizing habitual actions or routines in a specific time context, while 平常 refers more generally to the usual state of affairs.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 平时 with 常常 (chángcháng), which means 'often'; however, 平时 emphasizes normal conditions rather than frequency. It's used in both formal and informal contexts, but be careful with tone pronunciation: the second character should be pronounced with a rising tone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 平时 connects well with other time-related vocabulary. Focus on using it in sentences that describe daily routines or activities, as this will help solidify its meaning and usage.
Common Mistakes
Learners might mistakenly use 平时 in contexts that require a focus on frequency, saying something like '我平时去商店' when they mean 'I often go to the store'. The correct way is '我常常去商店' (Wǒ chángcháng qù shāngdiàn).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 平时
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平时 (píngshí) refers to the time when things are normal or routine, often used to contrast with extraordinary circumstances. It can indicate how things usually are, particularly in a casual or everyday context. This term is frequently used when discussing habits or regular activities.
When to use 平时
Learners often confuse 平时 with 常常 (chángcháng), which means 'often'; however, 平时 emphasizes normal conditions rather than frequency. It's used in both formal and informal contexts, but be careful with tone pronunciation: the second character should be pronounced with a rising tone.
平时 or something close to it
平常 (píngcháng) vs 平时 (píngshí): use 平时 when emphasizing habitual actions or routines in a specific time context, while 平常 refers more generally to the usual state of affairs.
What learners get wrong
Learners might mistakenly use 平时 in contexts that require a focus on frequency, saying something like '我平时去商店' when they mean 'I often go to the store'. The correct way is '我常常去商店' (Wǒ chángcháng qù shāngdiàn).
Write 平时
平
时
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Grammar Patterns of 平时
平时 carries 3 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
