Meaning and Usage
The word '평소' means 'ordinary times' or 'usually'. It is used to describe habits, routines, or states that happen regularly or normally, contrasting with unusual or special occasions.
Common Contexts
You will often hear '평소' when talking about daily habits, personal routines, or general conditions. For example, "평소에 운동을 해요" means "I usually exercise." It sets a baseline for what is normal for the speaker.
Collocations and Patterns
- 평소에 + verb: Indicates something done habitually or regularly.
- 평소와 다르게: Used to highlight a difference from the usual state.
- 평소 먹는 음식: Refers to the food one normally eats.
Register and Politeness
'평소' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is common in spoken and written Korean.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '평소' with words meaning 'always' or 'every time'. '평소' refers to general habitual states, not necessarily every single time. For example, "평소에 운동을 해요" means "I usually exercise," not "I exercise every time."