Meaning and Usage
"定期" refers to something occurring at fixed or regular intervals, often related to time periods or scheduled events. It is commonly used in contexts like banking (定期存款 - fixed deposits), meetings, health check-ups, and subscriptions.
Common Collocations
- 定期存款: fixed-term deposit, a banking product with a set maturity date.
- 定期检查: regular check-up, often medical.
- 定期会议: regular meeting held at set intervals.
Usage Notes
"定期" emphasizes the regularity and fixed timing of an event or action. It is often used as an adverb or adjective before nouns. Unlike "经常" (often) or "常常" (frequently), "定期" implies a scheduled, predictable recurrence rather than just frequency.
Avoiding Confusion
Do not confuse "定期" with "及时" (timely) or "临时" (temporary). "定期" always relates to a fixed schedule or period, not urgency or spontaneity.