A2 adverb Informal 1 min read

总是这样

zǒng shì zhèyàng /zǒng shì zhè yàng/

It describes a persistent, unchanging situation, often implying a sense of annoyance.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Indicates a state or behavior that repeats constantly.
  • Often used to express frustration or resignation.
  • Functions as an adverbial phrase in a sentence.

Overview

  1. 1概述:‘总是这样’是一个常用的汉语短语,由副词‘总是’(always)和代词‘这样’(like this/this way)组成。它主要用来强调某种负面或重复性的状态从未改变。2) 用法模式:该短语通常作状语,放在动词或形容词之前,或者作为独立评价出现在句首。例如:‘他总是这样,迟到也不道歉。’3) 常见语境:在口语中,它常用于抱怨某人的坏习惯,或者表达对某事反复发生感到厌倦。在书面语中,它也可以客观陈述某种规律性的现象。4) 近义词辨析:与‘老是这样’相比,‘总是这样’稍微正式一点,但两者在口语中几乎可以互换;‘一贯如此’则更正式,通常用于描述人的作风或制度,不带明显的抱怨色彩。

Examples

1

你怎么总是这样,一点也不听别人的建议?

everyday

Why are you always like this, not listening to others' advice at all?

2

市场情况总是这样,充满不确定性。

formal

The market situation is always like this, full of uncertainty.

3

哎,又是下雨,总是这样。

informal

Sigh, it's raining again, always like this.

Common Collocations

总是这样说 always say it like this
总是这样子 always this way (more colloquial)

Common Phrases

总是这样子

always like this

老是这样

always like this

Often Confused With

总是这样 vs 一向如此

This is more formal and neutral. It describes a consistent state without necessarily implying a complaint.

Grammar Patterns

Subject + 总是这样 总是这样 + [Verb/Adjective] 总是这样,[Result/Comment]

How to Use It

Usage Notes

Use this phrase mainly in informal contexts when expressing feelings. Avoid using it in formal reports or professional emails unless describing a predictable trend. It carries a subjective weight that can sound accusatory.


Common Mistakes

Beginners often use it to describe positive habits, which sounds unnatural. It is also sometimes incorrectly placed after the verb instead of before. Ensure the context matches the slightly negative connotation.

Tips

💡

Focus on the tone

Pay attention to the speaker's tone. It often conveys a sense of helplessness or minor irritation.

⚠️

Avoid in professional settings

Do not use this phrase to criticize colleagues or superiors directly as it sounds confrontational.

🌍

Cultural implication of repetition

In Chinese culture, emphasizing repetition often highlights a lack of change, which is sometimes viewed as stubbornness.

Word Origin

Derived from the adverb 总是 (always) and the demonstrative pronoun 这样 (this way/like this). It reflects the linguistic evolution of emphasizing recurring patterns in human behavior.

Cultural Context

In Chinese social interaction, pointing out that someone is 'always like this' is a way to signal social boundaries or express disappointment in a relationship.

Memory Tip

Think of a broken record playing the same song. '总是这样' is the needle stuck in the groove.

Frequently Asked Questions

3 questions

两者意思基本相同,但在口语中“老是这样”显得更随意、更口语化。在正式场合建议使用“总是这样”。

理论上可以,但极少使用。因为“总是这样”通常暗示某种固定的负面模式,如果想表达褒义,建议使用“一向如此”。

在极度口语化的环境中,有时会简说为“老这样”。

Test Yourself

fill blank

他每次都忘记带钥匙,真是___。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 总是这样

根据上下文,忘记带钥匙是反复发生的负面行为,符合“总是这样”的语义。

Score: /1

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