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Comparing 平时 ("ping2shi2") and 平常 ("ping2chang2")

Comparing 平时 ("ping2shi2") and 平常 ("ping2chang2")

平时 píngshí

Grammar

HSK 4

Structure

Subj. + 平常 + Verb Subj. + 很 + 平常平常 + 的 + Noun

Definition

平时和常都表示通常的情况，但'平时'强调与特殊时期相对的一般时候，'平常'则侧重普通、不特别的状态或时间。

Both 平时 and 平常 mean 'usually' or 'normally', but 平shí emphasizes ordinary times as opposed to special occasions, while 平cháng focuses on commonness or ordinariness.

Usage

'平时'常用作名词或副词，指一般、通常的时候，常与'周末'、'假期'、'特殊时候'等对比。'平常'可作形容词（普通、不特别）或副词（通常、一般地），作副词时与'平时'可互换，但语感更偏'日常'。

平时 is often used as a noun or adverb to refer to ordinary times, often contrasted with weekends, holidays, or special occasions. 平常 can be an adjective (ordinary, common) or adverb (usually, generally); as an adverb it is interchangeable with 平时 but carries a nuance of 'daily'.

Examples

1 我平时七点起床，但周末会晚一点。 (I usually get up at seven on weekdays, but on weekends I get up later.)
2 他平时学习很努力，考试却总是紧张。 (He usually studies hard, but he always gets nervous during exams.)
3 这件衣服很平常，没什么特别。 (This clothing is very ordinary, nothing special.)
4 平常这个时候超市已经关门了。 (Usually at this time the supermarket is already closed.)
5 他平时话不多，但开会时总能说到重点。 (He usually doesn't say much, but he always gets to the point in meetings.)
6 别把这当作平常的一天，今天是我们结婚纪念日。 (Don't treat this as an ordinary day; today is our wedding anniversary.)

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