every now and then; frequently
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesidiom
every now and then; at frequent intervals
informalUsed to describe an action that occurs frequently but not at regular, fixed times. Emphasizes the short intervals between occurrences. Also written as 隔三岔五.
Tā她
gé隔
sān三
chà差
wǔ五
huí回
niáng娘
jia家
kàn看
kan看
。
She goes back to her parents' home every now and then.
Tā他
gé隔
sān三
chà差
wǔ五
jiù就
tóu头
téng疼
，
yīng应
gāi该
qù去
kàn看
kan看
yī医
shēng生
。
He gets headaches frequently and should go see a doctor.
Show 2 more examplesShow fewer examples
Wǒ我
men们
gé隔
sān三
chà差
wǔ五
huì会
jù聚
zài在
yì一
qǐ起
chī吃
dùn顿
fàn饭
。
We get together for a meal every now and then.
Zhè这
hái孩
zi子
gé隔
sān三
chà差
wǔ五
jiù就
gǎn感
mào冒
，
dǐ抵
kàng抗
lì力
tài太
chà差
le了
。
This child catches colds frequently; his resistance is too weak.