When starting to learn Chinese, most learners focus on memorizing vocabulary, practicing listening and speaking, or studying basic sentence structures. However, one important element that makes your sentences more natural and precise is using the correct adverbs of frequency.
Knowing how to use words like “always,” “sometimes,” or “never” in Chinese not only improves your communication skills but also helps express emotions, habits, and the degree of actions more clearly. This article will guide you through what adverbs of frequency are, how to use them, and how to remember them effectively.
What Are Adverbs of Frequency?
In Chinese, adverbs of frequency are called “频率副词” (pínlǜ fùcí). These are words that indicate how often an action or event occurs. They answer questions like “How often do you…?” or “With what frequency?”
For example, when you say, “I sometimes go for a morning walk,” the word “sometimes” is an adverb of frequency. It tells us that the action is not done daily, but does happen on some occasions. Using adverbs of frequency gives your sentences more depth and accuracy in expressing the speaker’s intention.
Types of Adverbs of Frequency in Chinese
Depending on how often the action happens, adverbs of frequency in Chinese can be divided into three main categories: high frequency, medium frequency, and low frequency.
1. High Frequency Adverbs
These adverbs describe actions that happen often or are part of a routine. They’re frequently used in both spoken and written Chinese.
Common words in this group include:
- 总是 (zǒngshì): always
- 一直 (yìzhí): continuously, all along
- 经常 (jīngcháng): frequently
- 常常 (chángcháng): often
- 时常 (shícháng): regularly
Example sentences:
-
他总是忘记带钥匙。
(He always forgets his keys.) -
我经常在周末看电影。
(I often watch movies on weekends.)
2. Medium Frequency Adverbs
These adverbs indicate actions that happen from time to time, but not regularly or frequently. They’re commonly used in casual conversation.
Common examples include:
- 有时 (yǒushí): sometimes
- 偶尔 (ǒu’ěr): occasionally
- 不时 (bùshí): now and then, from time to time
Example sentences:
-
他有时候去健身房。
(He sometimes goes to the gym.) -
我偶尔吃快餐。
(I occasionally eat fast food.)
3. Low Frequency Adverbs
These adverbs describe actions that rarely or almost never happen.
Some typical words are:
- 很少 (hěn shǎo): rarely
- 几乎不 (jīhū bù): hardly ever
- 从不 (cóng bù): never
- 从来不 (cónglái bù): never ever
Example sentences:
-
她几乎不吃肉。
(She hardly ever eats meat.) -
我从不抽烟。
(I never smoke.)
Where Do Adverbs of Frequency Go in a Chinese Sentence?
Placing the adverb in the correct position is crucial. In most cases, adverbs of frequency are placed right before the main verb.
The typical structure is:
Subject + adverb of frequency + verb + object
Example:
-
他常常帮助别人。
(He often helps others.) -
我有时听中文歌。
(I sometimes listen to Chinese songs.)
However, if the sentence includes auxiliary verbs such as 会 (will), 想 (want), or 可以 (can), then the adverb usually comes after the auxiliary verb.
Example:
-
我会经常练习发音。
(I will frequently practice pronunciation.) -
她想偶尔出去走走。
(She wants to occasionally go for a walk.)
Commonly Confused Adverbs of Frequency
Some adverbs seem similar in meaning but actually carry different nuances. Knowing these differences will help you use them more accurately.
For example:
-
总是 (always) vs 一直 (continuously): Both can be translated as “always,” but 一直 emphasizes non-stop continuity, while 总是 focuses on repetition.
他一直看着我。
(He stared at me non-stop.)
他总是迟到。
(He always arrives late.) -
经常 and 常常 both mean “often,” but 经常 is more commonly used in writing, while 常常 is often used in spoken Chinese.
-
有时 and 偶尔 both mean “sometimes,” but 偶尔 often implies an action that is unexpected or not regular, whereas 有时 suggests a pattern.
Tips to Learn Adverbs of Frequency Effectively
Here are some practical ways to remember and use frequency adverbs more easily:
First, study them in opposing pairs. For example, 总是 vs 从不 (always vs never), 经常 vs 偶尔 (frequently vs occasionally). This helps your brain associate the words more clearly.
Second, make it a habit to create one sentence per day using a new frequency adverb. The more personal the context, the easier it is to remember.
Third, while listening to Chinese conversations, songs, or watching dramas, pay attention to these small yet powerful words. You’ll start recognizing them everywhere.
Fourth, use tools like flashcards, apps (like Anki or Pleco), or language websites to review and repeat these adverbs. Repetition is key to fluency.
Conclusion
Adverbs of frequency in Chinese may seem like small words, but they have a big impact on how naturally and accurately you speak. Understanding and correctly using words like 总是, 偶尔, 从不 not only enhance your expression but also reflect your habits, emotions, and personality as a speaker.
So don’t overlook these details. If your goal is to sound more like a native Chinese speaker, begin practicing one adverb a day. Over time, these words will become a natural part of your Chinese conversations.