时常

• Pinyin: shí cháng
• Hanzi breakdown: 时 = 日 (sun) + 寸 (inch); 常 = 尚 (still) + 巾 (cloth)

Meaning

Often; frequently; from time to time.

An adverb indicating something happens regularly but not constantly. More formal than 经常 and implies a habitual action. Often used in written Chinese or slightly formal speech. Suggests repeated occurrences over time.

Examples

1. 他时常回忆起小时候在老家的日子。 He often reminisces about his childhood days in his hometown.
2. 工作压力大的时候，我时常失眠。 When work pressure is high, I frequently have insomnia.
3. 她时常去图书馆看书，是那里的常客。 She often goes to the library to read — she's a regular there.

Usage Guide

Context: written, formal speech, reminiscence

Tone: reflective

Do Say

• 我时常想起你。(I often think of you.)
• 他时常来这里。(He comes here frequently.)

Don't Say

• 我时常在吃饭 — 时常 doesn't work with ongoing actions; use 经常 for habits

Origin & History

Compound of 时 (time) + 常 (often/regular), meaning at regular times or frequently.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal