Ordinary things that happen in the routine of daily life.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to something ordinary or unremarkable.
- Indicates habitual actions in daily life.
- Used to describe standard or typical situations.
Overview
- 1概览：平常是一个非常基础且高频的词汇。它既可以作为形容词，表示事物平平无奇、不突出；也可以作为时间副词，表示平素、往常。2) 用法模式：作为形容词时，它常放在名词前（平常的日子）或作谓语（这顿饭很平常）。作为副词时，它常置于动词前，表示习惯性的动作（我平常不吃辣）。3) 常见语境：在描述日常生活时，我们常用它来表达“一般般”、“没啥特别”。在工作或学术语境中，它则用来强调“常规”或“标准”的状态。4) 近义词辨析：“普通”侧重于不特殊、大众化；“一般”侧重于水平中等；而“平常”既有“普通”的意思，又包含“平日里”的时间维度。
Examples
这只是平常的一天。
everydayThis is just an ordinary day.
他平常不吃肉。
informalHe usually doesn't eat meat.
这种现象是很平常的。
academicThis phenomenon is quite common.
保持平常心很重要。
formalIt is important to keep a calm and balanced mind.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
平常心
calm state of mind
平常人
ordinary person
见怪不怪
to see something as common
Often Confused With
Ordinary. '普通' emphasizes being common or average, while '平常' can also mean 'usually'.
Usually/Normally. '平时' is strictly a time noun, whereas '平常' can function as an adjective.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '平常' as a neutral adjective for things or as an adverb for frequency. It is highly versatile in both spoken and written Chinese. Avoid using it to describe extreme or unique events.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often confuse '平常' with '经常'. '平常' means 'usually' or 'ordinary', while '经常' specifically means 'frequently' or 'often'.
Tips
Use it to describe habits
When talking about your daily routine, use '平常' before the verb. It is a natural way to say 'usually'.
Avoid negative connotations
While 'ordinary', it is usually neutral. Don't use it to insult someone's ability unless the context is clear.
The value of simplicity
In Chinese culture, being '平常' is often seen as a peaceful and content state of mind. It reflects a preference for balance.
Word Origin
Derived from '平' (flat/level) and '常' (constant/normal). Together they describe a state that is level and unchanging.
Cultural Context
The term '平常心' (ordinary heart/mind) is a key concept in Chinese philosophy, advocating for emotional stability regardless of external circumstances.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Ping' (flat) + 'Chang' (constant). Like a flat, constant line, it's nothing special!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“平时”侧重于时间段，指平素的日子；“平常”既可以是时间副词，也可以作形容词表示普通。在表示“平时”时，两者常可互换。
可以，形容一个人很平常，通常指他没有特别突出的才华或外貌，显得很平凡。这通常是一个中性词，不带贬义。
你可以说“这只是平常的一天”，或者“我平常喜欢看书”。它在句子中非常灵活。
它属于中性词，在口语和书面语中都非常常用，没有特别的语体限制。
Test Yourself
他是一个很___的人，没有什么特别的爱好。
形容人的性格或特质，平常表示普通。
这顿晚饭很平常。
平常在这里表示不特别，与普通意思一致。
我/看书/平常/晚上
时间副词通常放在主语后，动词前。
Score: /3
Summary
Ordinary things that happen in the routine of daily life.
- Refers to something ordinary or unremarkable.
- Indicates habitual actions in daily life.
- Used to describe standard or typical situations.
Use it to describe habits
When talking about your daily routine, use '平常' before the verb. It is a natural way to say 'usually'.
Avoid negative connotations
While 'ordinary', it is usually neutral. Don't use it to insult someone's ability unless the context is clear.
The value of simplicity
In Chinese culture, being '平常' is often seen as a peaceful and content state of mind. It reflects a preference for balance.
Examples
4 of 4这只是平常的一天。
This is just an ordinary day.
他平常不吃肉。
He usually doesn't eat meat.
这种现象是很平常的。
This phenomenon is quite common.
保持平常心很重要。
It is important to keep a calm and balanced mind.
Related Content
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
大约
B1Used to show that a number or amount is not exact; approximately.
上边
A2above, on top
上面
A1on, above, over
