Verb phrasesHSK 4
Expressing "not often" with 不怎么
The phrase 不怎么 before a verb indicates that the action is not done much or not often, implying little time or energy is invested. It can also suggest a small quantity when used with objects. Remember that 不怎么 does not use 有; for past negation, 没怎么 is used instead.
Structure
Subj. + 不怎么 + Verb
Examples
- 他不怎么爱说话。Tā bù zěnme ài shuōhuà.He doesn't like to talk much.
- 我们在家不怎么看电视。Wǒmen zài jiā bù zěnme kàn diànshì.We don't watch a lot of television at home.
- 我儿子不怎么吃零食。Wǒ érzi bù zěnme chī língshí.My son doesn't snack much.
- 老板不怎么来办公室。Lǎobǎn bù zěnme lái bàngōngshì.My boss doesn't come to the office very often.
- 我不怎么在网上买东西。Wǒ bù zěnme zài wǎngshàng mǎi dóngxi.I don't online shop very often.