往常

• Pinyin: wǎng cháng
• Hanzi breakdown: 往 = 彳(step) + 主 (master, phonetic) — to go toward; 常 = 巾 (cloth) + 尚 (above, phonetic) — constant, regular

Meaning

As usual; in the past; under normal circumstances. Refers to things as they were or are typically done.

Used to compare the current situation with how things were in the past or how they are normally. Often appears in constructions like 跟往常一样 (same as usual) or 不像往常 (unlike usual). Carries a slightly nostalgic or observational tone — noting whether something conforms to or departs from the norm.

Examples

1. 他跟往常一样，六点准时出现在办公室。 Same as always, he appeared in the office punctually at six.
2. 今天的她不像往常那么健谈，似乎有什么心事。 She wasn't as talkative as usual today — she seemed to have something on her mind.
3. 与往常相比，今年的销售额明显下滑，管理层开始感到压力。 Compared with previous years, this year's sales have dropped noticeably, and management is beginning to feel the pressure.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, observation, comparison

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他跟往常一样，吃完饭就出去散步了。(Same as always, after dinner he went out for a walk.)
• 今天的气氛不像往常那么轻松。(The atmosphere today isn't as relaxed as it usually is.)

Don't Say

• 用往常指代未来习惯，如'往常他会这样做' in reference to future — 往常 only refers to past or established patterns, not future expectations; use 通常 or 一般 for forward-looking habits

Origin & History

Compound of 往 (past, toward) and 常 (usual, regular). Together: 'as is the usual (past) custom' — as things normally are.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal