thường xuyên

Regularly

Level 2

Thường xuyên means regularly, frequently, or constantly. It is used to describe actions that happen on a highly consistent or ongoing basis.

How It Works

In Vietnamese, thường xuyên is a standard, objective word common in both everyday conversation and formal contexts, used to express that something happens on a regular or constant basis.

1. Placement

  • Before the verb (Standard): The most natural position is directly before the main verb.
    Subject + thường xuyên + Verb
  • End of the sentence (Emphasis): It can be placed at the end of a clause to emphasize the frequency, though this should not be overused.
    Subject + Verb + Object + thường xuyên

2. Negative and Question Forms
To express that something happens infrequently or not regularly, use không thường xuyên. For example: Tôi không thường xuyên tập thể dục. (I don't exercise regularly). Note that while this is correct, native speakers often prefer using ít khi (rarely/seldom) or hiếm khi for a more natural sound in daily conversation.
To ask if someone does something regularly, use the có ... không? structure: Bạn có thường xuyên tập thể dục không? (Do you exercise regularly?).

3. With Degree Adverbs
Thường xuyên can be modified by degree adverbs like rất (very) or khá (quite). For example, rất thường xuyên (very frequently/often) is a core collocation you will encounter constantly.

4. Comparative Form
To express 'more frequently' or 'more regularly', add hơn after it: Bạn nên tập thể dục thường xuyên hơn. (You should exercise more regularly).

5. Meaning 'Constantly' or 'Continually'
Beyond just 'frequently', it is often used to mean 'constantly' or 'on an ongoing basis', especially in professional or formal contexts (e.g., cập nhật thường xuyên = to update constantly, liên lạc thường xuyên = to stay in constant contact).

6. Comparing Frequency Words

  • thường: The general word for 'often' or 'usually'.
  • thường thường: Means 'usually' or 'ordinarily'. Unlike thường xuyên, it frequently appears at the very beginning of a sentence to establish a general routine.
  • hay: Highly colloquial, implies a natural tendency or habit (e.g., hay quên = tends to forget).
  • thường xuyên: Objective, consistent, and highly frequent (regularly/constantly).

7. Used as an Adjective
It can also modify nouns to mean 'regular' or 'continuous' (e.g., khách hàng thường xuyên = regular customer).

Examples (4)

  1. Anh ấy thường xuyên tập thể dục để giữ gìn sức khỏe.

    He exercises regularly to stay healthy.

    Word by Word: He regularly practice physical education to keep health.

    Standard placement directly before the verb 'tập thể dục'.

  2. Tôi thường xuyên dậy lúc 7 giờ sáng.

    I regularly get up at 7 a.m.

    Word by Word: I regularly wake up at 7 hour morning.

    Shows a consistent daily routine.

  3. Chúng tôi gặp nhau thường xuyên để thảo luận về tiến độ.

    We meet regularly to discuss progress.

    Word by Word: We meet together regularly to discuss about progress.

    Placed after the verb phrase 'gặp nhau' for emphasis.

  4. Cô ấy là khách hàng thường xuyên của quán cà phê này.

    She is a regular customer of this coffee shop.

    Word by Word: She is customer regular of shop coffee this.

    Here, it functions as an adjective modifying 'khách hàng' (customer).

Common Mistakes

  • Defaulting to placing it at the end of the sentence.

    Tôi đi siêu thị mua đồ ăn thường xuyên.
    Tôi thường xuyên đi siêu thị mua đồ ăn.

    English speakers often put 'regularly' at the very end of the sentence. While sometimes acceptable in Vietnamese for emphasis, the most natural and standard position is directly before the main verb.

  • Confusing 'thường' and 'thường xuyên' as adjectives.

    Different MeaningAnh ấy là khách hàng thường.
    Anh ấy là khách hàng thường xuyên.

    'Anh ấy là khách hàng thường' is a correct sentence, but it means something else. While both mean 'often' as adverbs, they differ as adjectives. Khách hàng thường xuyên means a 'regular/frequent customer', whereas khách hàng thường means an 'ordinary/standard customer' (not a VIP).

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

thường xuyênLevel 2Regularly

Learn This First

To understand 'thường xuyên', learners should first be familiar with the basic frequency marker 'thường' (usually). Since 'thường xuyên' functions as an adverbial modifier, a grasp of basic Vietnamese word order is necessary. Additionally, recognizing that this is a Sino-Vietnamese term helps learners understand its slightly more formal or 'regular' nuance compared to the simple 'thường'.

Words in This Pattern