偶尔 (ǒu'ěr) — occasionally / once in a while
HSK 3 | adverb | happening infrequently or from time to time
偶尔 (ǒu'ěr)
An adverb meaning something happens from time to time, but not regularly — infrequently or on rare occasions.
Meanings
- [adverb] Occasionally, once in a while, now and then.
- [adverb] Seldom, rarely (but not never).
Example Sentences
我偶尔去看电影放松一下。 Wǒ ǒu'ěr qù kàn diànyǐng fàngsōng yīxià. I occasionally go to watch movies to relax.
他平时不喝酒，偶尔喝一点儿。 Tā píngshí bù hējiǔ, ǒu'ěr hē yīdiǎnr. He doesn't usually drink, but occasionally has a little.
她偶尔会忘记带钥匙。 Tā ǒu'ěr huì wàngjì dài yàoshi. She occasionally forgets to bring her keys.
偶尔换一种饮食方式对身体有好处。 Ǒu'ěr huàn yī zhǒng yǐnshí fāngshì duì shēntǐ yǒu hǎochù. Occasionally changing your eating habits is good for your health.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 偶尔去 | occasionally go |
| 偶尔一次 | just once in a while |
| 偶尔出现 | appear occasionally |
| 偶尔忘记 | occasionally forget |
| 偶尔吃 | eat occasionally |
Memory Hook
偶 suggests "by chance/accidental" and 尔 is a classical suffix — it is the rare accidental encounter, not a routine.