HSK 6
不时
bùshí
from time to time
Structure
不时 + Verb / Verb Phrase
How it works
The word '不时' (bùshí) is an adverb used to indicate that an action or situation occurs repeatedly at irregular intervals. It is synonymous with 'occasionally' or 'from time to time,' often used in written or formal contexts to describe repeated occurrences over a period.
Examples
窗外不时传来阵阵清脆的鸟鸣声。
Chuāngwài bùshí chuánlái zhènzhèn qīngcuì de niǎomíng shēng.
Crisp bird chirps were heard from outside the window from time to time.
在会议期间，他部时低头看表，显得有些焦虑。
Zài huìyì qījiān, tā bùshí dītóu kàn biǎo, xiǎnde yǒuxiē jiāolǜ.
During the meeting, he looked down at his watch from time to time, appearing somewhat anxious.
由于最近天气多变，大家不时地聚在一起讨论防灾措施。
Yóuyú zuìjìn tiānqì duōbiàn, dàjiā bùshí de jù zài yīqǐ tǎolùn fángzāi cuòshī.
Due to the recent volatile weather, everyone Gathers from time to time to discuss disaster prevention measures.
Common mistakes
Do not confuse '不时' with '有时'. '有时' emphasizes status or possibility (sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't), whereas '不时' emphasizes a recurring frequency of an action within a timeframe.
Tip
Think of '不时' as 'not (fixed) time.' Since it isn't a fixed schedule, it happens repeatedly but randomly. It is frequently followed by the particle '地' (de) when modifying longer verb phrases.
More HSK 6 grammar
See 不时 in real Chinese
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