si4 bat1 si4時不時时不时
Jyutpingsi4 bat1 si4
Yalesìh bāt sìh
Definition
Often; from time to time; repeatedly.
colloquialtime
How it's used
This expression implies a recurring action that happens at irregular intervals rather than a strictly scheduled frequency. It carries a slightly more casual tone than the more formal 時常. Speakers often add the particle 都 after it to emphasize the frequency or the speaker's mild frustration with the repetition.
Examples
You get sick quite often, you should be more careful.
Related words
Common phrases
often (with emphasis)
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 時時, which implies a much higher frequency or constant repetition. Using 時不時 suggests a more sporadic, unpredictable occurrence.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
