Expressing "always" with "zongshi"

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


Structure with Verbs

"总是" is an adverb that is often translated to English as "always". It is placed before the verb that it modifies.

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 + Modifier + Adj.

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