adverb HSK 2
Traditional 總是
always · invariably · all the time
Meaning
总是 means 'always' or 'invariably' and is used to describe actions or states that happen consistently or repeatedly. It emphasizes the unchanging or habitual nature of something and is one of the most common adverbs for expressing frequency in Mandarin.
Usage
总是 typically appears before the verb or adjective it modifies. It can express either a neutral observation of consistent behavior or carry a slightly negative tone when describing annoying habits. Native speakers use it in both spoken and written contexts across all registers.
Examples
- 01他总是迟到。.He is always late.
- 02我妈妈总是担心我。.My mom always worries about me.
Characters
Common collocations
- 总是这样always like this
- 不总是not always
- 总是在always (doing something)
Antonyms
Origin
总 originally meant 'to gather together' or 'total,' while 是 means 'to be.' Together, they create the meaning of something that 'is always the case' or 'consistently so.'