反常

• Pinyin: fǎn cháng
• Hanzi breakdown: 反 = 厂 + 又 — reversal; 常 = 巾 (cloth) + 尚 (revere/still) — a flag that remains constant, hence the norm or the usual

Meaning

Abnormal; unusual; contrary to what is expected or normal. Describes behaviour, conditions, or phenomena that deviate from the norm.

Used across scientific, medical, behavioural, and meteorological contexts. 反常 implies a deviation that is noticeable and potentially significant — not merely different, but strikingly contrary to established patterns. Often signals the need for investigation or concern.

Examples

1. 气象专家指出，今年入春以来全国多地出现的持续低温属于极端反常天气，与近年来气候变化的大背景密切相关。 Meteorologists pointed out that the prolonged low temperatures seen in many parts of the country since the start of spring are an extreme weather anomaly, closely tied to the broader context of climate change in recent years.
2. 侦探注意到死者的邻居在询问过程中表现得格外平静，这种在事发后反常的淡然令他产生了强烈的怀疑。 The detective noticed that the victim’s neighbor was unusually calm during questioning; that abnormal composure after the incident immediately made him deeply suspicious.
3. 这家公司的股价在毫无消息公布的情况下突然暴涨，如此反常的市场行为立刻引起了监管机构的注意，随即展开了内幕交易调查。 The company’s stock price suddenly surged with no announcement of any news; such abnormal market behavior immediately drew regulators’ attention, and an insider-trading investigation was launched.

Usage Guide

Context: science, medicine, behaviour, meteorology

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 孩子若持续反常嗜睡、食欲骤降，家长应尽快带其就医。(If a child remains abnormally drowsy or suddenly loses appetite, parents should seek medical care promptly.)
• 南极海域反常升温可能加速冰川融化，并扰乱全球气候环流。(Abnormal warming in Antarctic waters may speed glacial melting and disrupt global climate circulation.)

Don't Say

• 非常反常 — 非常 (very) and 反常 (abnormal) are semantically redundant since 反常 already implies notable deviation; use 极度反常 or 严重反常 if you need to intensify the degree of abnormality

Origin & History

反 (contrary to/against) + 常 (the norm/usual) — going against what is usual or established as normal

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal