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Expressing "always" with 总是 ("zong3shi4")

总是 zǒngshì

Adverb
HSK 2

Structure

Subj. + 总是 + Verb 总是 + Adv. + Adj.

Translations

  • always

Definition

表示动作或状态始终发生或持续不变，强调经常性或一贯性。

Indicates that an action or state always occurs or remains unchanged, emphasizing frequency or consistency.

Usage

通常位于动词或形容词前，修饰整个谓语。在否定句中，常放在否定词前（如‘不总是’），也可放在其他位置。口语中有时带有抱怨或不满的语气。

Usually placed before the verb or adjective to modify the entire predicate. In negative sentences, it is often placed before the negative word (e.g., '不总是'), but can also be placed elsewhere. In spoken Chinese, it sometimes carries a tone of complaint or dissatisfaction.

Examples

  • 1 他上学总是迟到。 (He is always late for school.)
  • 2 周末她总是去图书馆学习。 (She always goes to the library to study on weekends.)
  • 3 我们开会时，经理总是第一个发言。 (In meetings, the manager always speaks first.)
  • 4 你总是忘记关灯，这样很浪费电。 (You always forget to turn off the lights; it's very wasteful.)
  • 5 北京的春天天气总是变化无常。 (The weather in spring in Beijing is always changeable.)
  • 6 她总是很乐观，从没见过她沮丧。 (She is always optimistic; I've never seen her upset.)

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