píngshí: 平时 - Normally, Usually, In Ordinary Times

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• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese word 平时 (píngshí), which means “normally,” “usually,” or “in ordinary times.” This page provides a deep dive into its meaning, character breakdown, and cultural context. Discover how to use 平时 (píngshí) in everyday conversation with over 10 practical example sentences, and learn the crucial differences between similar words like 平常 (píngcháng) and 常常 (chángcháng) to avoid common mistakes.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): píngshí
• Part of Speech: Adverb / Time Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: It refers to the normal, habitual state of affairs or what happens in ordinary times, as opposed to special occasions.
• In a Nutshell: 平时 (píngshí) is the word you use to describe your baseline or routine. Think of it as “the usual” or “on a normal day.” It's the backdrop of everyday life against which special events, like holidays or unexpected situations, stand out. If you want to talk about what you typically do, what someone is normally like, or how things are on any given non-special day, 平时 (píngshí) is your go-to word.

• 平 (píng): This character's original meaning is “flat” or “level.” It also carries connotations of being “peaceful,” “calm,” or “equal.” Think of a flat, calm lake surface—no waves, no drama.
• 时 (shí): This character simply means “time” or “moment.”
• When combined, 平时 (píngshí) literally translates to “flat time” or “level time.” This beautifully captures the concept of a period that is even, uneventful, and without the “peaks” of festivals or the “valleys” of emergencies. It is the standard, everyday flow of time.

While 平时 (píngshí) is a common vocabulary word, its usage reflects a subtle cultural perspective. In many cultures, there's a strong distinction between the “work week” and the “weekend,” or between “normal life” and “vacation.” Chinese culture makes a very clear distinction between 平时 (píngshí)—ordinary days—and 节日 (jiérì)—festivals or holidays. Special occasions like the Spring Festival or National Day are times of major disruption to the normal routine. Families travel, stores have different hours, and social obligations are paramount. Therefore, 平时 (píngshí) serves as the essential baseline that gives these special days their meaning. Unlike the English phrase “the daily grind,” which can have a negative or burdensome connotation, 平时 (píngshí) is fundamentally neutral. It simply describes the state of normalcy. It can be a busy and productive normalcy or a quiet and relaxed normalcy. It represents the stability and predictability that forms the foundation of life, a valued state in a culture that often emphasizes harmony and order.

平时 (píngshí) is an extremely common word used in all contexts, from casual conversation to more formal writing.

• As an Adverb: It's most frequently used as an adverb, placed after the subject and before the verb, to describe a habitual action.
  • `我 平时 喝茶。` (Wǒ píngshí hē chá.) - I usually drink tea.
• As a Time Noun: It can also function as a time noun, often placed at the beginning of a sentence to establish the context of “in normal times.”
  • `平时，这条街上没有这么多人。` (Píngshí, zhè tiáo jiē shàng méiyǒu zhème duō rén.) - Normally, this street doesn't have this many people.
• In Questions: It's used to ask about someone's regular habits.
  • `你 平时 喜欢做什么？` (Nǐ píngshí xǐhuān zuò shénme?) - What do you usually like to do?

Its connotation is neutral. It simply states a fact about what is typical.

• Example 1:
  • 我 平时 早上七点起床。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ píngshí zǎoshang qī diǎn qǐchuáng.
  • English: I normally get up at 7 AM.
  • Analysis: A classic example of describing a daily routine. 平时 establishes this as the standard, default wake-up time.
• Example 2:
  • 他 平时 话不多，但是今天喝了点酒，就聊个不停。
  • Pinyin: Tā píngshí huà bù duō, dànshì jīntiān hēle diǎn jiǔ, jiù liáo gè bù tíng.
  • English: He's normally not very talkative, but after drinking a little today, he can't stop chatting.
  • Analysis: This sentence perfectly illustrates how 平时 is used to contrast a normal state with a specific, different situation (“today”).
• Example 3:
  • 你 平时 周末都做些什么？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ píngshí zhōumò dōu zuò xiē shénme?
  • English: What do you usually do on weekends?
  • Analysis: A common and practical question to get to know someone's hobbies and habits.
• Example 4:
  • 这家餐厅 平时 人很多，最好提前预订。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiā cāntīng píngshí rén hěn duō, zuìhǎo tíqián yùdìng.
  • English: This restaurant is usually very crowded, it's best to book in advance.
  • Analysis: Here, 平时 describes the typical situation at the restaurant, providing a reason for the suggestion.
• Example 5:
  • 平时 要多喝水，对身体好。
  • Pinyin: Píngshí yào duō hē shuǐ, duì shēntǐ hǎo.
  • English: You should drink more water in your daily life; it's good for your health.
  • Analysis: In this case, 平时 is used as a time noun at the start of the sentence to mean “on a day-to-day basis” or “as a general rule.”
• Example 6:
  • 虽然工作很忙，但他 平时 还是会抽时间锻炼。
  • Pinyin: Suīrán gōngzuò hěn máng, dàn tā píngshí háishì huì chōu shíjiān duànliàn.
  • English: Although his work is very busy, he usually still makes time to exercise.
  • Analysis: Shows that even within a busy schedule, a certain activity is part of the normal routine.
• Example 7:
  • 我 平时 不吃辣，但是四川菜是个例外。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ píngshí bù chī là, dànshì Sìchuān cài shì ge lìwài.
  • English: I don't normally eat spicy food, but Sichuan food is an exception.
  • Analysis: A great way to express a general preference while allowing for exceptions.
• Example 8:
  • 老师 平时 对我们很严格，但其实很关心我们。
  • Pinyin: Lǎoshī píngshí duì wǒmen hěn yángé, dàn qíshí hěn guānxīn wǒmen.
  • English: The teacher is normally very strict with us, but actually cares about us a lot.
  • Analysis: This describes a person's typical behavior or demeanor.
• Example 9:
  • 平时 积累的知识在考试的时候就派上用场了。
  • Pinyin: Píngshí jīlěi de zhīshì zài kǎoshì de shíhòu jiù pài shàng yòngchǎng le.
  • English: The knowledge accumulated in ordinary times comes in handy during the exam.
  • Analysis: Here, 平时 refers to the entire period of “normal time” leading up to a specific event (the exam).
• Example 10:
  • 这个城市 平时 很安静，只有在旅游旺季才会这么热闹。
  • Pinyin: Zhège chéngshì píngshí hěn ānjìng, zhǐyǒu zài lǚyóu wàngjì cái huì zhème rènào.
  • English: This city is usually very quiet; it only gets this lively during the peak tourist season.
  • Analysis: Contrasts the normal state of the city with a specific time of year.

The biggest challenge for learners is distinguishing 平时 from similar-sounding words.

• 平时 (píngshí) vs. 平常 (píngcháng):
  • 平时 (píngshí) emphasizes a period of time (“ordinary times”) and is often used to contrast with a special time. It answers the question “When?”.
  • 平常 (píngcháng) is more like an adjective meaning “ordinary” or “commonplace.” It describes the nature or quality of a person, thing, or action. It answers the question “What kind?”.
  • Correct: 他 平时 很安静。 (Tā píngshí hěn ānjìng.) - He is quiet in normal times (implying he might not be at other times).
  • Correct: 他是一个很 平常 的人。 (Tā shì yí ge hěn píngcháng de rén.) - He is a very ordinary person.
  • Mistake: 他是一个很 平时 的人。 (Incorrect - you can't use 平时 to describe a person's quality).
• 平时 (píngshí) vs. 常常 (chángcháng) / 经常 (jīngcháng):
  • 平时 means “usually” or “normally.” It describes what is typical or routine, regardless of frequency.
  • 常常 (chángcháng) and 经常 (jīngcháng) mean “often” or “frequently.” They emphasize that an action happens many times.
  • Example: 我 平时 在家过春节。(Wǒ píngshí zài jiā guò Chūnjié.) - I usually spend Spring Festival at home. (This happens only once a year, but it's the *usual* routine.)
  • Incorrect: 我 常常 在家过春节。(Wǒ chángcháng zài jiā guò Chūnjié.) - I often spend Spring Festival at home. (This sounds strange, as if the festival happens frequently.)
  • Correct: 我 常常 去那家咖啡馆。(Wǒ chángcháng qù nà jiā kāfēiguǎn.) - I often go to that coffee shop. (This implies high frequency.)

• 平常 (píngcháng) - A very close synonym, but functions more like an adjective (“ordinary,” “common”).
• 通常 (tōngcháng) - A slightly more formal synonym for “usually” or “generally.”
• 一般 (yībān) - Means “generally” or “in general” and can often be used interchangeably with 平时 or 通常.
• 常常 (chángcháng) - Means “often” or “frequently,” focusing on high frequency rather than routine.
• 经常 (jīngcháng) - A common synonym for 常常, also meaning “often.”
• 日常 (rìcháng) - “Daily,” as in 日常生活 (rìcháng shēnghuó - daily life). Refers to the things that constitute the everyday.
• 普通 (pǔtōng) - An adjective meaning “common” or “ordinary,” used to describe nouns (e.g., `普通人 pǔtōng rén` - an ordinary person).
• 节日 (jiérì) - An antonymic concept: “festival” or “holiday.” The special time that contrasts with 平时.
• 周末 (zhōumò) - “Weekend.” A specific time period often contrasted with the 平时 of the workweek.