bat1 si4不時不时

Jyutpingbat1 si4

Yalebāt sìh

副詞Common

Definition

Frequently, often, or from time to time.

colloquialtime

How it's used

While often translated as often, this term specifically implies an intermittent or recurring nature rather than a constant or high frequency. It carries a slightly more formal or literary tone compared to the more common colloquial expression 間唔中. Using it in casual speech can make the speaker sound a bit more sophisticated or precise about the irregular timing of an event.

Examples

keoi5佢bat1不si4時dou1都wui6會daa2打din6電waa2話faan1返lai4嚟man6問hau6候haa5下。

He calls back from time to time to check on us.

nei1呢dou6度bat1不si4時jau5有di1啲san1新je5嘢maai6賣，hou2好kap1吸jan5引㗎。

They have new items for sale here from time to time, it's very attractive.

Common phrases

bat1不si4時zi1之seoi1需

for a rainy day

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with the Mandarin usage where it can sometimes imply a sense of urgency or constant occurrence. In Cantonese, it strictly refers to the irregular, periodic nature of an action, so avoid using it for things that happen every single day.