Expressing "always" with "zongshi"

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总是 (zǒngshì)and 老是 (lǎoshì) have the same meaning. Both can be interchanged in the same sentence.


Structure with Verbs

总是 + V.

Examples

  • 总是 迟到。He is always late.
  • 小 孩子 不能 总是 吃 肉 不 吃 蔬菜。Children cannot always eat meat and never eat vegetables.
  • 总是 忘记 这 个 词。I always forget this word.

Structure with Adjectives

When 总是 is used together with an adjective, you will need to add a modifier in the middle, such as "这么", "那么", "很", "特别" etc.

总是 + adjunct word + Adjectives

Examples

  • 你 回家 总是 这么 晚。When you come home your are this late.
  • 海南 总是 那么 热。Hainan is always that hot.
  • 总是 不 高兴。Don't always be be unhappy.
  • 总是 很 开心,真好!She is always excited, that's good!

See also

Sources and further reading

Books