频繁

• Pinyin: pín fán
• Hanzi breakdown: 频 = 步 + 页, frequency; 繁 = 敏 (quick) + 糸 (silk), numerous/complex

Meaning

Frequent; frequently. Happening often at short intervals.

Describes high frequency of occurrence, often with a slightly negative connotation (too frequent). Can modify nouns (频繁的出差 frequent business trips) or be used as an adverb (频繁地发生 happen frequently).

Examples

1. 最近地震发生得很频繁，让人担心。 Recently earthquakes have been occurring frequently, which is worrying.
2. 他频繁出差，很少有时间陪家人。 He travels frequently for business and rarely has time to spend with his family.
3. 两国之间的文化交流越来越频繁。 Cultural exchanges between the two countries are becoming more and more frequent.

Usage Guide

Context: statistics, descriptions, news

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 请不要频繁更改密码。(Please don't change your password too frequently.)
• 频繁加班对身体不好。(Frequent overtime is bad for your health.)

Don't Say

• 他频繁地很高兴。(频繁 describes actions/events, not emotional states — say 他经常很高兴)

Origin & History

频 (pín, frequently) + 繁 (fán, numerous). Occurring numerously and frequently.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal