Table of Contents

měi zhōu: 每周 - Every Week, Weekly

Quick Summary

Core Meaning

Character Breakdown

Cultural Context and Significance

While 每周 (měi zhōu) itself is a simple time word, it reflects the modern, globalized rhythm of life in China. The seven-day week is a relatively recent adoption, standardized alongside the Gregorian calendar for business and administration. Historically, Chinese life was structured around the lunar calendar (农历 nónglì), with time measured in lunar months and 24 solar terms (节气 jiéqì) that guided agriculture. The concept of a repeating seven-day cycle with a dedicated “weekend” was not a traditional part of Chinese culture. Today, however, the “weekly” structure is dominant. The work week (Monday-Friday) and the weekend (周末 zhōumò) are as fundamental to urban life in China as they are in the West. Therefore, using 每周 (měi zhōu) is essential for discussing modern work culture, school schedules, social plans, and media consumption (e.g., “the show airs weekly”). It signifies participation in the modern, globalized tempo of daily life.

Practical Usage in Modern China

每周 (měi zhōu) is used as a time adverb to state the frequency of an action. A crucial grammar point for beginners is that, like other time words in Chinese, it is typically placed before the verb.

It is used in all contexts, from very informal conversation to formal business reports.

It has a neutral connotation; it simply states a fact about frequency.

Example Sentences

Nuances and Common Mistakes

The most important nuance is understanding the relationship between 每周 (měi zhōu) and 每个星期 (měi ge xīngqī).

For a beginner, they are virtually interchangeable. Using 每个星期 will make your spoken Chinese sound very natural, while 每周 is perfect for both speaking and writing. Common Mistake: Word Order English speakers often place frequency adverbs at the end of a sentence. This is incorrect in Chinese.

Always remember the time word (每周) comes before the verb (去).