zau1 bat1 si4周不時周不时

Jyutpingzau1 bat1 si4

Yalejāu bāt sìh

副詞

Definition

Often; constantly; all the time.

colloquialtime

How it's used

Conveys a sense of recurring habit that feels slightly more casual and observational than the more direct 成日. It is particularly useful when describing events that happen at irregular intervals rather than a strict, constant schedule. Speakers often use it to highlight that something is a familiar, recurring sight in their life.

Examples

keoi5佢zau1周bat1不si4時dou1都faan1返lai4嚟taam3探ngo5我dei6哋。

He comes back to visit us quite often.

nei5你hai6係mai1咪zau1周bat1不si4時wui2會heoi3去go2嗰gaan1間caan1餐teng1廳sik6食faan6飯aa1呀？

Do you often go to that restaurant to eat?

Common phrases

zau1周bat1不si4時dou1都

often (emphasized)

Common mistake

Avoid using it in formal writing, as it is strictly a spoken expression. It also does not carry the same negative connotation of annoyance that 成日 sometimes implies when complaining about someone's repetitive behavior.