Definition

Adverb: * Usually, often: Indicates that an action or event happens with high frequency or is the common, expected state. It describes a habitual or regular occurrence.

Usage

• Position in Sentence: Typically placed at the beginning of a sentence or clause, before the subject, to describe the general frequency of the entire statement. It can also be placed directly before the main verb.
• Function: Used to talk about habits, routines, or what is generally true.

Usage Examples

• At the beginning of a sentence:
  • Thường thường, tôi uống cà phê vào buổi sáng. (Usually, I drink coffee in the morning.)
  • Thường thường, chúng tôi gặp nhau vào thứ Sáu. (Often, we meet each other on Fridays.)
• Before the main verb:
  • Cô ấy thường thường đi làm bằng xe buýt. (She usually goes to work by bus.)
  • Anh ấy thường thường về nhà lúc 6 giờ. (He often comes home at 6 o'clock.)

Advanced Usage

• Emphasizing Habitual Action: The reduplication "thường thường" can sometimes carry a slightly stronger emphasis on the habitual or customary nature of an action compared to the single word "thường".
  • Thường thường giờ này anh ấy đã đến. (He is usually already here by this time.) - Emphasizes that this is the expected, normal situation.

Variants and Related Words

• Thường (adv): The base form, meaning "often, usually". It is more common and versatile in placement than "thường thường".
  • Tôi thường tập thể dục. (I often exercise.)
• Hay (adv): A common colloquial synonym for "often".
  • Nó hay đi chơi với bạn. (He often goes out with friends.)
• Thông thường (adj/adv): Means "normal, common, ordinarily". As an adverb, it is similar to "usually" but can imply what is standard or typical.
  • Thông thường, vé máy bay đắt hơn vào mùa hè. (Normally, plane tickets are more expensive in summer.)

Synonyms

• Thường xuyên (adv): Frequently, regularly. Implies a consistent pattern.
• Thường (adv): Often, usually.
• Hay (adv): Often (colloquial).

Notes on Different Meanings

• The entry "thường thường" as an adverb meaning "usually" is distinct from the adjectival phrase "thường thường" (written separately) meaning "average, mediocre" (e.g., - average academic ability). The adverbial form is the focus here.

adv

1. usually, often