Expressing "every time" with "mei" and "dou"

每……都…… (měi... dōu...) is a pattern used to express "every time," even though the phrase 每次 (měi cì) may not be explicitly used.

Using 每 and 都 when focusing on time

(需要加)

Using 每 and 都 when focusing on a certain action

In this grammar structure, we focus on every time a certain action is done, like "every time he speaks I can't understand him."

每 +Verb + Number+ 都 + Adjective/Verb

Examples

  • 一 句 话,我 不 明白。Every time he speaks I can't understand him.
  • 参观一个 地方 要 拍照。Every time she visits some place, she takes photos.
  • 看完 一部电影 想 跟 他讨论。Every time I finish watching a movie, I want to discuss it with him.
  • 记住, 写完一 篇 文章 要 保存。Remember, every time you finish an article, save it.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books