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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "normal times" with 平时 (píngshí)

    Frequency & Habit
    Time Expressions

    Structure

    平时 + Verb Phrase

    Explanation

    The noun 平时 (píngshí) means "usually," "normally," or "in ordinary times," and is used to talk about habitual actions or everyday situations. It typically appears at the beginning of a sentence or before a verb to set a context of general routine.

    Examples

    • 我平时都是骑自行车上班的。

      wǒ píngshí dōu shì qí zìxíngchē shàngbān de.

      I usually ride my bicycle to work.

    • 她平时不怎么吃甜食，偶尔吃一次。

      tā píngshí bù zěnme chī tiánshí, ǒu'ěr chī yí cì.

      She usually doesn't eat sweets much — just once in a while.

    • 你平时几点睡觉？

      nǐ píngshí jǐ diǎn shuìjiào?

      What time do you usually go to bed?

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    Expressing "normal times" with 平时 (píngshí) | Chinese Grammar