How to Say "Usually" in Chinese

平时

píngshí

The English word 'usually' can be translated into Chinese as 平时 (píngshí).

平时 is used to refer to habits or states that occur during one's normal, everyday routine, as opposed to special occasions.

Meaning: most of the time (adv)

What does it mean word for word?

The word 平时 is composed of 平 (ordinary/level) and 时 (time).

píngshí

The character 平 in 平时 is the same one used in the word for 'peace' 和平, reflecting the idea that 'usual' times are stable and without conflict.
In Chinese, 平时 functions as a noun meaning 'ordinary times' as well as an adverb, allowing it to act as the subject of a sentence in ways 'usually' cannot in English.
While 平时 describes general habits, Chinese speakers often use the phrase 一般来说 to express a 'general rule' or 'usually' when making a logical generalization.

高岛平时虽然一副很帅气的样子，但是在他女友面前却是一副神魂颠倒的样子。
Gao Dao is usually really suave, but he seems completely smitten in front of his girlfriend.
This sentence is useful for showing how someone's usual appearance contrasts with their behavior in a specific situation using 平时.
Tatoeba #4543508 by yuiyu, translation #4755408 by garborg
结果是英国人平时没问题听得懂外国人说的话。
The result is that English people usually have no problem understanding what foreigners say.
Tatoeba #888449 by eastasiastudent, translation #888450 by eastasiastudent
我通常早上七点起床。
I usually wake up at 7 a.m.
我们通常在星期五晚上聚会。
We usually gather on Friday nights.
他平常很少出去。
He usually doesn't go out much.
这是我平常穿的衣服。
This is what I usually wear.
我经常和朋友一起去看电影。
I usually go to the movies with friends.
她经常迟到，大家都习惯了。
She is usually late, and everyone is used to it.
我常常忘记带手机。
I usually forget to bring my phone.
他常常在图书馆学习。
He usually studies in the library.
他平时喜欢在家里看书。
Tā píngshí xǐhuān zài jiālǐ kànshū.
He usually likes to read books at home.

Two friends are discussing their exercise habits.

浩然 Haoran

你平时去健身房吗？
Nǐ píngshí qù jiànshēnfáng ma?
Do you usually go to the gym?
梓涵 Zihan

我平时都在家锻炼。
Wǒ píngshí dōu zài jiā duànliàn.
I usually exercise at home.
浩然 Haoran

那挺方便的。
Nà tǐng fāngbiàn de.
That is quite convenient.
梓涵 Zihan

是的，省了很多时间。
Shì de, shěngle hěnduō shíjiān.
Yes, it saves a lot of time.

Sources

⭐Share⭐ to appreciate human effort 🙏