Definition

Adverb: - Often, frequently: Indicates that an action or event occurs many times, on many occasions, or is a common occurrence.

Usage

• "Thường khi" is used to describe the frequency of an action or event. It is placed before the main verb or at the beginning of a clause to modify it.
• It is a slightly more literary or formal synonym for "thường" or "hay". It emphasizes the recurring nature of an event across different occasions.

Usage Examples

• (Brothers often help each other.)
• Thường khi trời mưa, đường phố rất đông đúc. (Frequently when it rains, the streets are very crowded.)
• (She often goes to the library on weekends.)

Advanced Usage

• "Thường khi... lại...": This structure is used to contrast a common occurrence with a subsequent or contrasting action or state. It can be translated as "Often when... then..." or "Frequently... yet...".
  • Thường khi người ta nghĩ mình đúng, lại là lúc mình sai. (Often when people think they are right, that is precisely when they are wrong.)

Variants and Related Words

• Thường (adv): Often, usually. A more common and versatile synonym.
• Hay (adv): Often, frequently (in spoken Vietnamese). Used similarly to "thường".
• Thỉnh thoảng (adv): Sometimes, occasionally. Indicates a lower frequency than "thường khi".
• Luôn luôn (adv): Always. Indicates constant frequency.

Synonyms

• Nhiều khi (adv): Many times, often.
• Đôi khi (adv): Sometimes, at times. (Note: This indicates a lower frequency than "thường khi").

Related Phrases and Idioms

(Note: "Thường khi" itself is not typically part of fixed idioms, but it is used in common phrasal patterns.) - "Vẫn thường khi": Still often, still frequently. Adds emphasis to the recurring nature despite other factors. - Anh ấy vẫn thường khi nhắc đến kỷ niệm cũ. (He still often mentions old memories.)

adv

1. often, frequently