正常

Use it as an adjective or a result. You can say 很正常 to mean 'very normal.' You can also use it to reassure people. If a friend is worried about a slow computer, say 这很正常. It fits perfectly after verbs like 看起来 (looks) or 听起来 (sounds). It is a very flexible building block for sentences.

Use it when checking status updates. Use it during a doctor's visit for test results. It is great for tech support conversations. Use it when discussing someone's behavior. If a situation feels standard, 正常 is the word. It is perfect for daily life and professional reports alike.

Don't use it to mean 'average' in terms of numbers. For that, use 平均. Avoid using it to mean 'ordinary' or 'plain.' For a plain person or object, use 普通. 正常 is about functioning correctly, not about being unremarkable. Don't use it to describe a 'normal' temperature for weather; use 正常 for a 'normal' body temperature instead.

In Chinese culture, maintaining a 'normal' state is highly valued. It relates to the idea of balance and harmony. Being 正常 means you are in sync with expectations. There is a subtle social pressure to stay within the lines. However, younger generations use it ironically. They might say 'I'm not 正常' to celebrate their quirks.

不正常 is the most common variation for 'abnormal' or 'weird.' You might hear 正常化 which means 'normalization' in political or diplomatic contexts. In casual slang, people say 你正常点 to mean 'act normal' or 'stop being weird.' It is a gentle way to tease a friend who is acting silly.