regular
regular — 名詞
1. a person who goes to the same shop, café, restaurant, or other place so often th
常客
經常光顧同一店家的顧客
a person who goes to the same shop, café, restaurant, or other place so often that the staff know them by sight or name.
Beatriz has been a regular at this café for over two years now.
Beatriz 來這家咖啡廳超過兩年了，是這裡的常客。
a regular at [place] — location after 'at'
The barista greeted Tuan warmly because he was a regular.
咖啡師傅親切地跟 Tuan 打招呼，因為他是熟客。
Greta became a regular at the library's Saturday book club.
Greta 成了圖書館週六讀書會的常客。
Several regulars at the pet shop helped Maya choose food for her cat.
寵物店裡的幾位熟客幫 Maya 選了餵貓的飼料。
The owner knows exactly what every regular likes to order for lunch.
老闆記得每位常客午餐喜歡點什麼。
- patron
more formal; used for customers of a specific business like a hotel or theatre
- frequent visitor
emphasises coming many times rather than being known by staff
- newcomer
someone who has just started coming
- first-timer
someone visiting for the first time
文法句型
a regular at [place/event]
用法筆記
Countable noun: you can say 'a regular' (one person) or 'regulars' (more than one).
常見錯誤
2. someone who works full-time as a member of a country's standing military forces,
正規軍人
職業軍人，非臨時徵召
someone who works full-time as a member of a country's standing military forces, unlike a temporary conscript or a part-time reservist.
The regulars were sent to guard the border during the conflict.
正規部隊被派去守衛邊境。
the regulars — collective term for career soldiers
Unlike the reservists, the regulars had completed a full year of training.
與後備軍人不同，正規軍人已經完成一整年的訓練。
Daichi served as a regular for twelve years before retiring from the army.
Daichi 以正規軍人身分服役了十二年才從軍中退役。
The government decided to send regulars instead of temporary volunteers.
政府決定派遣正規軍人，而非臨時志願兵。
- career soldier
broader term; can include non-commissioned officers and officers
- full-time soldier
focuses on the employment status rather than the military branch
文法句型
the regulars (as a group)
serve as a regular
用法筆記
Often used in the plural ('the regulars') to refer to an army unit's permanent personnel. Contrasted with 'reservists' or 'volunteers'.
常見錯誤
3. a member of a sports team who is picked to play in most of the team's matches, r
正選
經常上場比賽的隊員
a member of a sports team who is picked to play in most of the team's matches, rather than sitting on the bench.
Élise earned her place as a regular by scoring in three straight games.
Élise 連續三場比賽進球，為自己掙得了正選的位置。
earn a place as a regular — achieved through performance
The coach named Amani a regular in the starting lineup for the season.
教練將 Amani 列為本賽季的先發正選球員。
Only two regulars from last season are still on the basketball team this year.
上個賽季的正選球員，今年只剩兩位還在籃球隊上。
Christopher hoped a strong pre-season would make him a regular again.
Christopher 希望好的季前表現能讓他再次成為正選。
Reema became a regular on the football team after impressing the coach.
Reema 在打動教練之後，成了足球隊的正選球員。
- starter
specifically the first eleven or starting five, not just a frequent player
- first-team player
more common in British football context
- substitute
a player who comes on during the game to replace someone
- bench player
a player who is available but does not usually start
文法句型
a regular in/on [team]
become a regular
用法筆記
Common in sports commentary and team discussions. 'Regular' contrasts with 'substitute', 'reserve', or 'bench player'.
常見錯誤
regular — 形容詞
1. happening or taking place many times over a period of time; done often.
經常的
經常發生的
happening or taking place many times over a period of time; done often.
Henrik makes regular visits to his grandmother every Sunday afternoon.
Henrik 每個星期日下午都會固定去探望奶奶。
collocation: regular visits
Ayesha schedules regular check-ups at the clinic to monitor her blood pressure.
Ayesha 定時到診所檢查，以監測自己的血壓。
regular check-ups
Mert receives regular email updates about his team's project milestones.
Mert 會定期收到團隊的專案進度郵件通知。
Nala gives her tomato plants regular watering during the hot summer weather.
Nala 在炎熱的夏天定期為她的番茄植株澆水。
The bus company runs regular services between the airport and the city centre.
這家巴士公司提供往返機場和市中心的固定班次。
- occasional
happening sometimes but not often or on a fixed schedule
- infrequent
happening rarely
文法句型
regular + noun (visits, check-ups, meetings, updates)
用法筆記
Frequently placed before nouns that describe repeated events, appointments, or routines. The noun names something that happens at short, consistent intervals.
常見錯誤
2. repeating with equal periods of time or equal spaces between one occurrence and
規律的
有固定間隔的
repeating with equal periods of time or equal spaces between one occurrence and the next.
Nala's heartbeat remained steady and regular throughout the ten-kilometre run.
Nala 在十公里跑步期間心跳保持平穩規律。
predicative: be + regular; collocation: regular heartbeat
The trees along the avenue were planted at regular intervals of three metres.
大道上的樹木以三公尺的等距間隔種植。
at regular intervals
Eric checked the oven at regular intervals while the cake was baking inside.
Eric 在烤蛋糕時每隔固定時間就去查看烤箱。
Anong set her watch to beep at regular intervals to remind her to stretch.
Anong 設定手錶每隔固定時間發出嗶聲，提醒自己起來伸展。
The dentist told Liam that brushing twice a day at regular times keeps gums healthy.
牙醫告訴 Liam，在固定時間每天刷兩次牙能保持牙齦健康。
文法句型
regular + noun (heartbeat, intervals, breathing)
be + regular
用法筆記
Very commonly used in the phrase 'at regular intervals' to describe something that happens repeatedly with equal gaps. Can be used both before a noun (attributive) and after a linking verb (predicative).
常見錯誤
3. having bowel movements often enough to stay healthy, without constipation or dis
排便正常的
腸道功能運作正常的
having bowel movements often enough to stay healthy, without constipation or discomfort.
The doctor asked Andrés if he had been regular since the operation last month.
醫生問 Andrés 自從上個月動手術後排便是否正常。
predicative: had been regular
Min's grandmother drinks warm water every morning to keep her digestive system regular.
Min 的祖母每天早上喝溫水以維持消化系統正常運作。
keep [possessive] regular — digestive health context
Eating plenty of fibre helps older people stay regular and feel more comfortable.
攝取足量的纖維有助於年長者排便順暢，感覺更舒適。
The nutritionist recommended more fruit and vegetables to help keep digestion regular.
營養師建議多攝取水果和蔬菜，以維持消化順暢。
- not constipated
the plain descriptive phrase; more clinical and specific
- constipated
unable to empty the bowels frequently or comfortably
文法句型
be regular
stay regular
keep regular
用法筆記
Used only predicatively — never placed before a noun (*a regular person to mean this sense). Common in health advice and medical contexts. Frequently paired with 'stay', 'keep', or 'remain'.
常見錯誤
4. having a menstrual cycle that occurs at approximately the same time each month,
週期規律的
月經週期規律的
having a menstrual cycle that occurs at approximately the same time each month, with similar length each time.
Lara uses a cycle tracker to see whether her period is regular each month.
Lara 用手機應用程式記錄週期，觀察每個月是否規律。
predicative: be regular; menstrual health context
Young women often take time to become regular after their first period.
年輕女性在初經後往往需要一段時間週期才會變得規律。
Élise asked her doctor whether exercise could help her stay regular each month.
Élise 詢問醫生運動是否能幫助她每個月維持週期規律。
A gynaecologist explained that irregular cycles are common during the teenage years.
婦產科醫師解釋說，月經不規律在青少年時期很常見。
- irregular
having menstrual cycles that vary in length or timing from month to month
文法句型
be regular
stay regular
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 3 (BOWEL MOVEMENTS): this sense specifically describes menstrual cycles. Both senses are predicative and share similar grammatical patterns, so the topic of the sentence must clarify which bodily function is being discussed.
常見錯誤
5. of the usual or standard kind; not special, different, or extra in any way.
一般；標準
標準的，無特別之處
of the usual or standard kind; not special, different, or extra in any way.
Liam ordered a regular coffee with no sugar or any kind of milk.
Liam 點了一杯不加糖也不加奶的一般咖啡。
collocation: regular coffee
The regular price of that jacket is fifty dollars, but it is on sale today.
那件夾克的原價是五十美元，但今天正在特價販售。
regular price
Élise bought the regular size of toothpaste instead of the travel-size tube.
Élise 買了普通尺寸的牙膏，而不是旅行用的小條牙膏。
The office uses regular paper for everyday printing and copying tasks.
辦公室使用一般紙張進行日常的列印和影印工作。
Mira ordered a regular pizza with cheese and tomato sauce for the party.
Mira 為派對訂了一個只有起司和番茄醬的普通披薩。
文法句型
regular + noun (size, price, coffee, paper)
用法筆記
Common in retail and food-service contexts to distinguish the standard option from a special, large, or premium version. Often modifies product features: size, price, version, or ingredients.
常見錯誤
6. following the most common rules of word formation in a language, rather than hav
規則變化的
遵循標準語言變化規則的
following the most common rules of word formation in a language, rather than having special or unusual forms.
In English, most verbs are regular and add "-ed" to form the past tense.
在英文中，大多數的動詞都是規則變化的，只要在字尾加 "-ed" 就能形成過去式。
regular verb — add -ed for past tense
The word "book" is a regular noun because its plural is simply "books."
"Book" 是一個規則變化的名詞，因為它的複數形式就是簡單加上 "s" 變成 "books"。
regular noun — add -s for plural
Eric's Spanish teacher taught him the endings for regular verbs ending in "-ar."
Eric 的西班牙文老師教了他以 "-ar" 結尾的規則動詞變化。
Min finds it easier to learn regular verbs than the ones with irregular forms.
Min 覺得規則變化的動詞比不規則變化的容易學。
The textbook lists all the regular adjectives that take "-er" and "-est" endings.
這本教科書列出了所有以 "-er" 和 "-est" 變化的規則形容詞。
- standard
broader than grammar; can describe any conventional form or method
- conforming
more formal; emphasises compliance with rules
- irregular
not following the standard rules of word formation; having special forms
文法句型
regular + noun (verb, noun, adjective, plural)
用法筆記
Applied to verbs, nouns, adjectives, and other word classes that follow the standard inflection patterns of a language (e.g., adding -ed for past tense, -s for plural, -er/-est for comparative/superlative). The opposite is 'irregular'.
常見錯誤
7. describes an ordinary person whose normal behaviour makes others feel comfortabl
普通人
受喜愛信任的一般人
describes an ordinary person whose normal behaviour makes others feel comfortable and willing to trust them.
Haruto is a regular guy who enjoys watching football with his friends on weekends.
Haruto 是個普通人，喜歡和朋友在週末看足球。
collocation: regular guy
Despite his fame, the singer stayed a regular person that neighbours could trust.
儘管他很有名，這位歌手仍然是個鄰居可以信任的普通人。
collocation: regular person
Roya's father was known as a regular man who always kept his promises.
Roya 的父親是個大家都公認的老實人，總是說到做到。
Samir preferred being a regular team member rather than the captain.
Samir 寧願當個普通的隊員，也不想當隊長。
Mert is just a regular guy who helps his elderly neighbours carry their groceries.
Mert 只是個普通人，會幫年長鄰居提雜貨的那種。
- eccentric
suggests odd or unusual behaviour that may make others uncomfortable
文法句型
regular + noun
be + regular
用法筆記
Unlike the ORDINARY sense (index 5), which applies to things and situations, this sense is specifically used to describe a person's character and social trustworthiness.
常見錯誤
8. describes a military force that is maintained permanently as part of a country's
正規軍
指常設而非臨時的軍隊或軍人
describes a military force that is maintained permanently as part of a country's official defence structure, or a soldier who serves in such a force, as opposed to temporary units or volunteer groups.
The country's regular army consists of 50,000 trained soldiers.
該國的常規軍隊由五萬名受訓士兵組成。
attributive: regular army
After completing basic training, Noa became a regular soldier in the national defence force.
完成基本訓練後，Noa 成為國防軍的一名正規士兵。
attributive: regular soldier
Regular troops were sent to guard the border crossing day and night.
正規部隊被派往邊境關口日夜守衛。
Eve chose to join the regular military rather than the reserve unit.
Eve 選擇加入正規軍，而不是後備部隊。
The regular forces received better training and equipment than the volunteer militia.
正規部隊獲得的訓練和裝備比志願民兵更好。
- standing
more specific; refers to a permanently established army rather than any military personnel
- professional
emphasises paid, career soldiers rather than the permanent nature of the force
文法句型
regular + military noun
用法筆記
Primarily used attributively before military nouns such as army, soldier, troops, forces, and military. Cannot be used predicatively in this sense (❌ 'This army is regular' would be misunderstood).
9. having a balanced shape or arrangement in which matching parts face each other o
對稱的
兩邊形狀大小相同的
having a balanced shape or arrangement in which matching parts face each other on opposite sides, often with equal spacing or size.
The garden had a regular pattern with flowers planted at equal distances.
花園裡有規律的圖案，花朵以相等的距離種植。
describing even spacing in a pattern
Dewi arranged the chairs in a regular formation so each row lined up perfectly.
Dewi 把椅子排成整齊的隊形，每一排都完美對齊。
A regular hexagon has six sides of equal length and six equal angles.
正六邊形有六條等長的邊和六個相等的角。
The artist painted a regular design that repeated the same shape on both sides.
藝術家畫了一個對稱的圖案，兩邊重複相同的形狀。
Tuan cut the paper into a regular star with five identical points.
Tuan 把紙剪成一個有五个相同尖角的規律星形。
- symmetrical
direct synonym; more common in everyday descriptions of shapes
- even
broader; can mean level, smooth, or equal in addition to symmetrical
- balanced
emphasises visual harmony rather than strict mirrored arrangement
- uniform
focuses on consistency across the whole rather than symmetry
- irregular
the direct opposite; describes shapes or arrangements that are uneven or asymmetrical
- asymmetrical
specifically describes the absence of symmetry
文法句型
regular + noun
be + regular
用法筆記
Distinguish from the EVEN INTERVALS sense (index 2): that sense focuses on time between events, while this sense focuses on physical shape, arrangement, or pattern where opposite sides or parts match.
常見錯誤
10. used before a noun to emphasize that something is a very clear or extreme exampl
十足的
用來強調某事物是典型的例子
used before a noun to emphasize that something is a very clear or extreme example of a particular type, often with a negative or surprising quality.
The party was a regular disaster because the food burnt and the music stopped.
那場派對簡直是一場災難，因為食物燒焦了，音樂也停了。
informal intensifier: a regular disaster
When Élise forgot her lines, it was a regular nightmare for the whole cast.
當 Élise 忘記台詞時，對整個劇組來說簡直是一場惡夢。
After the storm, the garden was a regular mess with broken branches everywhere.
暴風雨過後，花園簡直一團亂，到處都是斷裂的樹枝。
Eshe's little brother made a regular scene at the supermarket by crying loudly.
Eshe 的小弟弟在超市大哭大鬧，真是出盡了洋相。
Cleaning the old storage room turned into a regular adventure when they found photographs.
清理那間舊儲藏室竟變成一場大冒險，因為他們找到了老照片。
- absolute
similar intensifier; slightly more formal and more commonly used
- complete
also used as an intensifier but feels more neutral in register
- total
a common intensifier synonym; often used with the same nouns (total disaster, total mess)
- out-and-out
stronger emphasis; less common but very emphatic
文法句型
regular + noun (emphatic)
用法筆記
Always used attributively before a noun. The noun that follows is typically something undesirable (disaster, mess, nightmare) but can occasionally be neutral or mildly positive (adventure). This is an informal, emphatic use common in everyday speech.