总是
zongshi
The English word "always" can be translated into Chinese as 总是 (zongshi).
总是 is a neutral adverb used to indicate that an action or state occurs at all times.
Meaning: at all times (adv)
Which one should you use?
While 总是 is a neutral way to say "always", the term 老是 carries a stronger connotation of complaining about a recurring behavior. For more emphasis, you can use the phrase 一直都.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adverb 总是 is placed before the verb or adjective it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
zongshi
Did you know?
- The character 总 originally referred to a 'bundle' or 'sum', reflecting the idea of gathering all instances together into one total.
- In some dialects, the word for 'always' might be replaced by a repetition of the verb itself to show a habitual or continuous state.
- To say 'always' in a poetic or formal way, one might use the classical term 恒, which evokes the idea of constancy or permanence.
Examples in context
- 他总是在线。He is always online.This sentence shows the placement of 总是 when describing a state of being online.Tatoeba #3378257 by GlossaMatik, translation #3378258 by _undertoad
- 你总是迟到。You are always late.This sentence demonstrates how to use 总是 to describe a recurring habit like being late.Tatoeba #7767588 by jiangche, translation #70194 by CK
- 我总是有事。I'm always busy.This sentence illustrates using 总是 to describe a continuous state of being busy.Tatoeba #7771930 by jiangche, translation #2649020 by CK
- 他一直关心我 (tā yī zhí guān xīn wǒ)He always cares about me.
- 他对工作始终充满热情 (tā duì gōng zuò shǐ zhōng chōng mǎn rè qíng)He is always enthusiastic about his work.
- 我们总是准时开会 (wǒ men zǒng shì zhǔn shí kāi huì)We always have meetings on time.
- 他总是笑得很开心 (tā zǒng shì xiào dé hěn kāi xīn)He always laughs happily.
- 他老是迟到 (tā lǎo shì chí dào)He is always late.
- 她一直都是我的好朋友 (tā yī zhí dōu shì wǒ de hǎo péng yǒu)She has always been my good friend.
- 我们总找不到时间见面 (wǒ men zǒng zhǎo bú dào shí jiān jiàn miàn)We never seem to find time to meet up.
- 110 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A girl is complimenting her friend's kind nature.
- 梓涵 Zihan你总是这么好。nǐ zǒngshì zhème hǎo.You are always so kind.
- 浩然 Haoran谢谢，因为你在。xièxiè, yīnwèi nǐ zài.Thank you, because you are here.
- 梓涵 Zihan我会一直支持你。wǒ huì yīzhí zhīchí nǐ.I will always support you.
- 浩然 Haoran我也一样。wǒ yě yīyàng.Me too.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
