자주 (ja-ju, jaju) · 종종 (jong-jong, jongjong)
자주 indicates a higher frequency, while 종종 expresses a moderate frequency.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Indicates frequent or often occurring situations
When to use
daily life frequency, habitual actions, frequency of meeting friends
The nuance
Use 자주 to express very frequent actions or events. Suitable for things that happen repeatedly in daily life.
Indicates occasional or moderate frequency
When to use
occasionally occurring events, special cases, irregular meetings
The nuance
Use 종종 to express actions or events that happen less frequently than 자주. Suitable for occasional occurrences.
나는 자주 커피를 마신다.
na-neun ja-ju keo-pi-reul ma-sin-da., na neun ja ju keo pi reul ma sin da.
자주 is suitable for habitual actions like frequently drinking coffee.
나는 종종 커피를 마신다.
na-neun jong-jong keo-pi-reul ma-sin-da., na neun jong jong keo pi reul ma sin da.
종종 fits occasional coffee drinking.
나는 자주 일주일에 한 번만 운동한다.
na-neun ja-ju il-ju-il-e han beon-man un-dong-han-da., na neun ja ju il ju il e han beon man un dong han da.
Once a week is not frequent enough for 자주; 종종 is appropriate.
나는 종종 일주일에 다섯 번 운동한다.
na-neun jong-jong il-ju-il-e da-seos beon un-dong-han-da., na neun jong jong il ju il e da seos beon un dong han da.
Five times a week is frequent and fits 자주, not 종종.
그는 자주 친구들과 만난다.
geu-neun ja-ju chin-gu-deul-gwa man-nan-da., geu neun ja ju chin gu deul gwa man nan da.
Meeting friends frequently matches 자주.
그는 종종 친구들과 만난다.
geu-neun jong-jong chin-gu-deul-gwa man-nan-da., geu neun jong jong chin gu deul gwa man nan da.
Occasional meetings with friends fit 종종.
그녀는 자주 해외여행을 간다.
geu-nyeo-neun ja-ju hae-oe-yeo-haeng-eul gan-da., geu nyeo neun ja ju hae oe yeo haeng eul gan da.
Overseas trips are infrequent; 종종 is more appropriate.
그녀는 종종 해외여행을 간다.
geu-nyeo-neun jong-jong hae-oe-yeo-haeng-eul gan-da., geu nyeo neun jong jong hae oe yeo haeng eul gan da.
종종 suits occasional activities like overseas travel.
Which situation uses '자주'?
Which sentence is appropriate for '종종'?
When can '자주' NOT be used?
What does it mean?
