经常

• Pinyin: jīng cháng
• Hanzi breakdown: 经 (jīng) — regular, constant; 常 (cháng) — often, usual

Meaning

Often; frequently. Indicates that an action or event happens regularly or repeatedly.

A common adverb used to describe habitual or routine actions. Placed before the verb in a sentence. Similar to 常常 but slightly more formal and versatile.

Examples

1. 我经常去图书馆看书。 I often go to the library to read.
2. 她经常给妈妈打电话。 She often calls her mom.
3. 他们经常一起吃午饭。 They often have lunch together.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, habits, routines

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我经常运动。(I exercise often.)
• 你经常来这里吗？(Do you come here often?)

Don't Say

• 不要说'我经常一次去过北京' (Don't combine 经常 with a single past event — 经常 implies repeated actions, not one-time occurrences)

Origin & History

Compound of 经 (regular, constant) and 常 (often, usual). Both characters reinforce the sense of regularity.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal