通常 (tōng cháng) — (adverb) usually; generally; normally; (adjective) usual; normal

Definition

通常 covers both 'usual' (adj.) and 'usually' (adv.) for the most common, expected case. 一般 focuses on 'ordinary/common' (often so-so quality), 正常 means 'normal' (no problem).

adverb
usuallygenerallynormally
adjective
usualnormal

Examples

  • 通常。
    Wǒ tōng cháng měi zhōu qù tú shū guǎn.
    I usually go to the library every week.
  • 通常。
    Zhè zhǒng qíng kuàng tōng cháng zài xià jì fā shēng.
    This situation usually happens in summer.
  • 通常，。
    Suī rán tōng cháng de zuò fǎ shì zhè yàng, dàn yě kě yǐ gǎi biàn.
    Although the usual practice is like this, you can also change it.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéSide by side

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

通tōnggeneral
常chángregular

通 (general) and 常 (regular) both point to the ordinary, giving usual or normally.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
辶Written in full as辵chuò
Sound part声符shēngfú
甬
甬yǒng通tōng
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

通 pairs 辶, a part associated with movement, with 甬, which gives the sound.

Open 通 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
巾巾jīncloth
Sound part声符shēngfú
尚
尚shàng常cháng
Close in sound todayThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

常 pairs 巾, a cloth, with 尚 as a sound part; the form originally referred to a lower garment.

Open 常 →
Appears in
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