자주 vs 수시로
Korean word comparison
Listen to 자주
Listen to 수시로
| 자주 | 수시로 |
|---|---|
JA-joo adverb | susiro adverb |
| often; frequently | frequently; at any time; repeatedly at short intervals |
How they differ
수시로 suggests that something happens often and irregularly, sometimes almost whenever the chance appears. Unlike 자주, it can imply a less predictable pattern and is especially natural when actions happen repeatedly throughout the day or as needed.
When to use each
When to use 자주: Use 자주 when you want a plain general statement of frequency without extra nuance.
When to use 수시로: Use 수시로 when the timing is irregular or when something keeps happening at various times during the day or process.
Side-by-side examples
- 그는 나에게 자주 연락한다.
(He contacts me often.) - 그는 나에게 수시로 연락한다.
(He contacts me frequently / from time to time throughout the day.)
Register & nuance: 수시로 is neutral, but it often appears in practical or explanatory writing more than in casual conversation.