偶尔
Traditional: 偶爾
ǒu ěr HSK 4

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

我偶尔去公园散步。
Wǒ ǒu'ěr qù gōngyuán sànbù.
I occasionally go for a walk in the park.
他偶尔会迟到。
Tā ǒu'ěr huì chídào.
He is sometimes late.
我们偶尔一起吃晚饭。
Wǒmen ǒu'ěr yīqǐ chī wǎnfàn.
We occasionally have dinner together.
我偶尔喝咖啡。
Wǒ ǒu'ěr hē kāfēi.
I occasionally drink coffee.
他偶尔迟到。
Tā ǒu'ěr chídào.
He is occasionally late.

💡 Memory Tip

Think of 偶 as in 偶像 (idol)—you don't see your idol every day, only occasionally. The sound 'ǒu' also resembles 'oh,' as in 'Oh, it happens once in a while!'

📝 Usage Notes

It is neutral in tone, suitable for both spoken and written Chinese, including formal contexts. It is commonly used to describe habits, weather, social activities, or unexpected occurrences (e.g., 'I occasionally eat out'). It typically precedes the verb in a sentence.

📖 Grammar Points

Used as an adverbial modifier before verbs (e.g., 偶尔 + Verb). Often paired with 会 (huì) to indicate possibility (e.g., 偶尔会下雨). It can also be used in the structure '只是偶尔...' to emphasize rarity.

🏯 Cultural Notes

Reflects a cultural value of moderation and balance, as it often describes breaking from routine without excess. It's commonly used in contexts like socializing, dining, or leisure to convey a casual, non-committal attitude.

🔄 Similar Words

Similar to 有时 (yǒushí, 'sometimes'), but 偶尔 implies much lower frequency and more randomness. 有时 can suggest a more predictable or planned occasional occurrence, while 偶然 (ǒurán) means 'by chance' or 'accidental,' focusing on coincidence rather than frequency.

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