HSK 7-9
时而
shí'ér
From time to time; sometimes
Structure
时而 + Action/State A, 时而 + Action/State B
How it works
The conjunction '时而' is used to describe actions or states that alternate or happen repeatedly over a period of time. It often appears in the paired form '时而...时而...' to indicate a frequent shift between two contrasting or different situations.
Examples
这里的山区气候多变，时而阳光明媚，时而阴雨连绵。
Zhèlǐ de shānqū qìhòu duōbiàn, shí'ér yángguāng míngmèi, shí'ér yīnyǔ liánmián.
The weather in this mountainous area is volatile; sometimes it's sunny, and sometimes it's continuous rain.
他的情绪很不稳定，时而兴奋，时而沮丧。
Tā de qíngxù hěn bù wěndìng, shí'ér xīngfèn, shí'ér jǔsàng.
His mood is very unstable; at times he is excited, and at times he is depressed.
窗外的海浪时而拍打着礁石，发出巨大的声响。
Chuāngwài de hǎilàng shí'ér pāidǎzhe jiāoshí, fāchū jùdà de shēngxiǎng.
Outside the window, the waves occasionally slap against the reefs, making a loud sound.
Common mistakes
Do not confuse '时而' with '有时'. '有时' is used for general frequency, while '时而' emphasizes a rapid or rhythmic alternation between states and is more formal/literary.
Tip
To sound more like a native speaker at the HSK 7-9 level, use '时而' to describe fluctuating markets, changing emotions, or unpredictable weather patterns.
More HSK 7-9 grammar
See 时而 in real Chinese
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