如常

'正常' means 'normal' or 'regular' as an adjective. '如常' is an adverbial phrase meaning 'as usual' or 'as normal'. For example, '情况正常' (Qíngkuàng zhèngcháng - The situation is normal) vs. '生活如常' (Shēnghuó rúcháng - Life is as usual).

'习惯' means 'habit' (noun) or 'be accustomed to' (verb). '如常' describes a state that aligns with expectations or previous normalcy, which might be based on a habit, but '如常' itself isn't the habit. For example, '他有早起的习惯' (Tā yǒu zǎoqǐ de xíguàn - He has the habit of getting up early) vs. '他今天如常早起' (Tā jīntiān rúcháng zǎoqǐ - He got up early today, as usual).

'平常' means 'ordinary' or 'common' as an adjective, or 'usually' as an adverb. It's similar to '平时'. '如常' focuses on something being in its expected, normal state. For example, '这是一个平常的日子' (Zhè shì yīgè píngcháng de rìzi - This is an ordinary day) vs. '工作如常进行' (Gōngzuò rúcháng jìnxíng - Work proceeds as usual).

Both '总是' and '如常' can refer to things happening consistently. However, '总是' means 'always' or 'habitually', while '如常' means 'as usual' or 'as normal', implying a comparison to an expected state.

'总是' describes a general habit or recurrence. '如常' describes a state that is consistent with expectations or a previous state.

他总是迟到。(Tā zǒngshì chídào.) He is always late. (Describes a habit.)

Both can relate to typical situations. '平时' means 'usually' or 'ordinarily', referring to general times or circumstances. '如常' refers to something being in its expected, normal state.

'平时' describes what happens during regular, non-special times. '如常' describes a state of normalcy.

他平时不喝酒。(Tā píngshí bù hējiǔ.) He doesn't usually drink alcohol. (Refers to general behavior.)

'一样' means 'the same' or 'alike', suggesting sameness. '如常' specifically means 'as usual' or 'as normal', implying something is the same as its expected or previous normal state.

'一样' is a general term for sameness. '如常' is more specific to maintaining a usual or normal state.

他们穿得一样。(Tāmen chuān de yīyàng.) They are dressed the same. (General sameness.)

This is very close to '如常' in meaning, as both mean 'as before' or 'as usual'. The distinction can be subtle and sometimes they are interchangeable.

'照旧' tends to emphasize carrying on with an old method or state, sometimes implying a past routine is being maintained. '如常' is a bit more general, indicating that things are simply normal.

会议照旧进行。(Huìyì zhàojiù jìnxíng.) The meeting proceeded as before. (Emphasizes continuing an existing plan.)

Like '照旧', '往常' means 'as in the past' or 'as usual', leading to overlap with '如常'.

'往常' often refers to a habitual state or action in the past, often used in phrases like '像往常一样' (like usual). '如常' can be a more direct statement of current normalcy.

他像往常一样很早就来了。(Tā xiàng wǎngcháng yīyàng hěn zǎo jiù láile.) He came very early, as usual. (Refers to past habit.)