Comparison of "通常" and "常常"

In Chinese, both "通常" (tōngcháng) and "常常" (chángcháng) are adverbs used to indicate frequency or regularity, but they are used in slightly different contexts.

通常 (tōngcháng)

"通常" typically means "usually" or "normally." It is used to describe something that happens most of the time or under normal circumstances.

• For example: We usually go shopping on weekends. - 我们通常周末去购物。(Wǒmen tōngcháng zhōumò qù gòuwù.)
• For example: The bus arrives at the station normally at 9:00 AM. - 公交车通常在上午9点到达车站。(Gōngjiāochē tōngcháng zài shàngwǔ 9 diǎn dàodá chēzhàn.)

常常 (chángcháng)

"常常" means "often" or "frequently." It is used to describe something that happens repeatedly or with high frequency.

• For example: He often reads books in the evening. - 他晚上常常看书。(Tā wǎnshang chángcháng kànshū.)
• For example: She frequently visits her grandparents. - 她经常去看望她的祖父母。(Tā jīngcháng qù kànwàng tā de zǔfùmǔ.)

Main Differences

• Frequency: "通常" indicates something that happens usually or normally, while "常常" indicates something that happens often or frequently.
• Usage: "通常" is more formal and often used in written language, whereas "常常" is more colloquial and commonly used in spoken language.