通常
tōngcháng
In Chinese, 'generally' can be expressed through several terms depending on the context, most commonly as 通常 (tōngcháng) or 一般.
Meaning: as a rule, usually (adv)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 通常 | tōngcháng |
| 一般 | yībān |
通常 is used to describe things that happen usually or normally, while 一般 can mean 'generally' or 'ordinary' depending on the situation.
Which one should you use?
While both terms can mean 'generally', they have different nuances. 通常 focuses on frequency and regularity, functioning more like 'usually' or 'normally'. In contrast, 一般 has a broader sense and can also mean 'ordinary' or 'commonplace' depending on the context.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using 通常 as an adverb of frequency, it is typically placed before the verb in a sentence. To use 'generally' as a sentence-level adverb meaning 'generally speaking', use the construction 一般來說.
How do you pronounce it?
tōngcháng
Did you know?
- When someone asks how a meal was, replying with just 一般 is often interpreted as a polite way of saying it was disappointing.
- The character 通 in 通常 originally depicted a path or a way, relating to the idea of a 'common route' that people usually take.
- In some dialects, 一般 can be used to describe two things that are identical, meaning 'the same' rather than 'generally'.
Examples in context
- 一般我步行去学校。I generally walk to school.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 一般 to describe a routine.Tatoeba #481022 by biglion, translation #254905 by CK
- 水果一般不久就会腐烂。Fruit generally rots soon.This sentence demonstrates using 一般 to describe a general tendency of fruit.Tatoeba #1737865 by sadhen, translation #13573026 by LeviHighway
- 一般來說，日本人很勤奮。Generally, the Japanese are diligent.This sentence shows the construction 一般來說 used to introduce a general statement.Tatoeba #14013603 by LeviHighway, translation #9231734 by Nylez
- 在中国，通常人们在春节期间相互拜年。In China, people generally visit each other during the Spring Festival.
- 职场上，通常工作时间是早九晚五。In the workplace, the general working hours are from 9 am to 5 pm.
- 大多数情况下，我们会提前安排好会议的议程。Generally, we will prepare the meeting agenda in advance.
- 大多数情况下，人们会选择吃三餐。Generally, people choose to have three meals a day.
- 一般来说，夏天的天气比冬天要热。Generally speaking, the weather in summer is hotter than in winter.
- 一般来说，我喜欢看喜剧片。Generally, I enjoy watching comedy films.
- 这个餐厅的价格大致上在中等水平。The prices at this restaurant are generally in the mid-range.
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their weekend habits at a coffee shop.
- 梓涵 Zihan你周末通常做什么？Nǐ zhōumò tōngcháng zuò shénme?What do you usually do on weekends?
- 俊杰 Junjie我通常在家看书。Wǒ tōngcháng zài jiā kànshū.I usually read books at home.
- 梓涵 Zihan那很安静，我很羡慕。Nà hěn ānjìng, wǒ hěn xiànmù.That is very peaceful, I am quite envious.
- 俊杰 Junjie你要不要一起来？Nǐ yào bù yào yīqǐ lái?Do you want to join me?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “generally” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
