bình thì

bình thì

Bình thì con đường này rất vắng vẻ.

Definition
  1. Adverb:
    • Normally, usually, ordinarily: Indicates a habitual state, condition, or action that is standard, common, or occurs most of the time. It describes what is typical under regular circumstances.
    • In normal times, under ordinary circumstances: Refers to periods or situations that are not exceptional, special, or unusual.
Usage Examples
  • Adverb:
    • Bình thì tôi đi làm lúc 7 giờ sáng. (Normally, I go to work at 7 a.m.)
    • Bình thì anh ấy rất điềm tĩnh, nhưng hôm nay thì khác. (He is usually very calm, but today is different.)
    • Bình thì con đường này rất vắng. (This road is ordinarily very quiet.)
Advanced Usage

  • "Bình thì... nhưng...": A common contrasting structure meaning "Normally/Usually... but...".

    • Bình thì cô ấy rất tiết kiệm, nhưng hôm nay cô ấy đã mua một chiếc túi xách đắt tiền. (She is normally very frugal, but today she bought an expensive handbag.)

  • "Bình thì đã thế...": Used to emphasize that the described normal state is already a certain way, often leading to a further point.

    • Bình thì công việc đã bận rộn, huống chi là bây giờ. (The work is already busy under normal circumstances, let alone now.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Bình thường (adj, adv): Normal, ordinary; normally. This is a much more common synonym.

    • Anh ấy là một người bình thường. (He is an ordinary person.)
    • Tôi bình thường vẫn làm thế. (I normally still do it that way.)

  • Thông thường (adj, adv): Common, usual; usually, commonly.

  • Thường thì (adv): Usually, often. This is a very close and frequently used synonym for "bình thì".
    • Thường thì tôi uống cà phê vào buổi sáng. (I usually drink coffee in the morning.)
Synonyms
  • Thường lệ: Customary, habitual.
  • Theo thói quen: Habitually, by habit.
  • Nói chung là: Generally speaking.
Notes on Usage
  • Formality & Frequency: "Bình thì" is correct and understood, but it is less common in everyday modern spoken Vietnamese than "thường thì" or "bình thường thì". It carries a slightly more formal or literary tone.
  • Position in Sentence: It typically appears at the beginning of a clause to set the context for a typical situation.
  • Contrast: It is very often used in sentences that contrast the normal state with an exceptional current or specific event, frequently paired with "nhưng" (but) or "mà" (but).