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B2 adverb 10 min read

照旧

zhàojiù
Examples 照旧 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 照旧 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to use '照旧' yet, as it is a more advanced word. However, you can understand it as a way to say 'the same' or 'as usual.' Imagine you have a habit, like drinking milk every morning. If you do it today just like you did yesterday, that is '照旧.' At this level, you would usually use simpler words like '也' (also) or '还' (still). For example, instead of '照旧去学校,' an A1 learner would say '我也去学校' or '我还是去学校.' Understanding '照旧' helps you recognize when something is repeating. It is like the 'repeat' button on a music player—it follows the same pattern again. You might see it on signs in a shop window, like '营业' (open) followed by '照旧,' which just means they are open at their normal times. Even if you don't speak it, recognizing the '旧' (old) part of the word helps you realize it relates to something from the past.
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For A2 learners, '照旧' is a useful word to start recognizing in the context of daily routines. At this level, you are learning to describe your life and habits. '照旧' (zhàojiù) means 'as usual.' You can use it to describe things that don't change even when other things do. For example, '虽然下雨，我照旧去跑步' (Although it's raining, I go running as usual). This is a bit more specific than just saying 'still.' It shows that you have a plan or a habit that you are following. You can think of it as 'according to (照) the old (旧) way.' It is very common in simple sentences about schedules. If someone asks if a meeting is still happening, you might hear '照旧进行' (Proceeding as usual). It is a step up from the basic word '还是' (still) and makes your Chinese sound more natural when talking about consistent habits.
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At the B1 level, you should begin to actively use '照旧' in your speaking and writing. This word is perfect for describing consistency in the face of change, which is a common topic in intermediate conversations. You can use it to talk about how your hometown hasn't changed ('家乡照旧那么美') or how a person's character remains the same ('他照旧那么热情'). You should also learn the common phrase '一切照旧' (everything as usual), which is a very efficient way to summarize a situation. In B1, you start to distinguish between '照旧' and '仍然.' Remember that '照旧' is more about the *way* or *schedule* of doing something. It often implies that there was a reason things *might* have changed (like a holiday or bad weather), but they didn't. Using '照旧' correctly shows that you understand the nuance of maintaining a pattern, not just the continuation of a state.
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At the B2 level, '照旧' is a key vocabulary item for expressing nuance in formal and informal contexts. You should be able to use it as an adverb to modify a variety of verbs and adjectives. You should also understand its role in formal announcements, such as '假期期间照旧营业' (Open as usual during the holidays). B2 learners should be able to distinguish '照旧' from its synonyms like '依旧' (more literary) and '仍旧' (more formal). You might use '照旧' in a debate or an essay to describe the persistence of a social phenomenon or a policy. For example, '尽管政府出台了新政策，但某些问题照旧存在' (Despite the new government policies, certain problems still exist as before). At this level, you should also be comfortable with the word's placement in complex sentences and its use in expressing a slightly critical tone when someone refuses to change outdated methods.
For C1 learners, '照旧' becomes a tool for sophisticated expression, particularly in written Chinese and formal speeches. You should explore the word's use in literature, where it often contrasts the eternal nature of the environment with the fleeting nature of human life. You can use '照旧' to create a sense of atmosphere or to emphasize the stability of a system. At this level, you should also be aware of the rhythmic qualities of the word in four-character expressions and balanced sentences. You might use it in legal or business contexts to refer to the continuation of previous contracts or terms ('条款照旧'). Furthermore, you should be able to appreciate the subtle difference between '照旧' and '依然如故' (an idiom meaning 'exactly as before'). Your usage should reflect an understanding of register—knowing that '照旧' is standard and versatile, whereas '老样子' is strictly for informal speech.
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At the C2 level, '照旧' is used with complete mastery of its stylistic and pragmatic implications. You can use it to evoke specific emotional responses in creative writing, such as the comfort of returning to an unchanged childhood home or the frustration of a stagnant bureaucracy. You understand the historical weight of the characters and can use the word in classical-style modern prose. In high-level professional settings, you might use '照旧' to discuss the maintenance of diplomatic status quo or long-term strategic consistency. You are also able to identify and use more obscure synonyms and related idioms (like '墨守成规' for negative '照旧') to provide more precise meaning. For a C2 learner, '照旧' is not just a word for 'as usual,' but a way to discuss the philosophy of continuity and the relationship between the past and the present in the Chinese linguistic landscape.
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Examples

照旧 in 30 Seconds

  • 照旧 (zhàojiù) is a Chinese adverb meaning 'as before' or 'as usual,' emphasizing that a previous pattern or state remains unchanged despite potential reasons for change.
  • It is commonly used before verbs (e.g., 照旧上班) or as part of the phrase '一切照旧' (everything as usual) to indicate stability and continuity in routines.
  • While similar to '仍然' (still), 照旧 specifically highlights the *manner* or *schedule* of an action being identical to its former state, often in contrast to a new situation.
  • It is a CEFR B2 level word, appearing frequently in both daily conversation and formal announcements like business hours or policy statements.

The Chinese word 照旧 (zhàojiù) is a versatile adverb that translates most directly to 'as before' or 'as usual' in English. It is composed of two characters: 照 (zhào), meaning 'according to' or 'follow,' and 旧 (jiù), meaning 'old,' 'former,' or 'past.' When combined, they literally mean 'following the old way' or 'according to the former state.' This word is a staple in intermediate to advanced Chinese because it encapsulates the idea of continuity and the preservation of a status quo despite potential changes in circumstances.

Core Meaning
To maintain a previous state or habit without modification. It suggests that a situation remains unchanged even when one might expect it to change.

虽然下着大雨，足球比赛照旧进行。(Suīrán xiàzhe dàyǔ, zúqiú bǐsài zhàojiù jìnxíng.) - Although it was raining heavily, the football match proceeded as usual.

In daily life, you will hear this word in various contexts ranging from casual plans to formal business operations. For example, if a store is undergoing renovations but remains open for customers, they might post a sign saying '营业照旧' (Business as usual). If a friend asks if you are still going to the gym at 6 PM despite a busy schedule, you might reply '照旧,' implying that your routine hasn't changed. The term carries a sense of reliability and persistence. It is less about 'still' (which is often covered by 仍然 or 还是) and more about the 'manner' or 'pattern' of the action being identical to the past.

Grammatical Function
Primarily functions as an adverb placed before the verb. It can also stand alone as a predicate in the common phrase '一切照旧' (Everything remains as before).

春节期间，这家超市照旧营业。(Chūnjié qījiān, zhè jiā chāoshì zhàojiù yíngyè.) - During the Spring Festival, this supermarket remains open as usual.

Culturally, '照旧' reflects a respect for established patterns. In a fast-paced society like modern China, the ability to keep things '照旧' can sometimes be a sign of strength or stability. However, it can also carry a slightly negative nuance if used to describe someone who refuses to adapt or innovate, sticking to 'old ways' even when they are no longer effective. Context is key to determining whether it implies positive consistency or negative stagnation.

Usage in Literature
Often used to describe a landscape or a home that hasn't changed after many years, evoking feelings of nostalgia or comfort.

十年没见，他说话的语气照旧那么幽默。(Shí nián méi jiàn, tā shuōhuà de yǔqì zhàojiù nàme yōumò.) - Haven't seen him for ten years, but his tone of voice is as humorous as ever.

Mastering 照旧 (zhàojiù) requires understanding its placement within a sentence and the common patterns it follows. As an adverb, its most frequent position is immediately before the verb or adjective it modifies. Unlike some other adverbs, '照旧' often implies a contrast between a changed environment and an unchanging action.

Pattern 1: Subject + 照旧 + Verb/Adjective
This is the standard usage. Example: 他照旧每天早上五点起床。(He still gets up at 5 AM as usual.)

新经理上任后，公司的规章制度照旧执行。(Xīn jīnglǐ shàngrèn hòu, gōngsī de guīzhāng zhìdù zhàojiù zhíxíng.) - After the new manager took office, the company's rules and regulations were implemented as before.

Another very common structure is the four-character phrase 一切照旧 (yīqiè zhàojiù), which translates to 'everything remains as before' or 'business as usual.' This is often used as a standalone response or a concluding statement in a paragraph to summarize a situation of stability.

Pattern 2: 一切照旧 (Everything as usual)
Used to indicate that no changes have occurred across the board. Example: 无论外界如何变化，这里的生活一切照旧。(No matter how the outside world changes, life here remains as usual.)

虽然他发财了，但生活还是照旧那么简朴。(Suīrán tā fācái le, dàn shēnghuó háishì zhàojiù nàme jiǎnpǔ.) - Although he became rich, his life is still as simple as before.

When using '照旧' in negative sentences, the '不' (not) usually comes after '照旧' if you are saying 'as usual, [something] did not happen,' or you might use a different word entirely if the routine itself has changed. For example, '照旧没来' means 'as usual, [he] didn't come.' If you want to say things are *not* as they were, you would say '不再像以前那样' or '变了'.

Pattern 3: 照旧 + Negative Verb
Example: 我劝了他很多次，他照旧不听。(I advised him many times, but as usual, he wouldn't listen.)

老王退休后，照旧关心着单位的发展。(Lǎo Wáng tuìxiū hòu, zhàojiù guānxīnzhe dānwèi de fāzhǎn.) - After Lao Wang retired, he continued to care about the development of his workplace as usual.

In a real-world Chinese-speaking environment, 照旧 (zhàojiù) is a word that bridges the gap between formal announcements and everyday conversations. It is frequently heard in news broadcasts when reporting on policy continuity or economic stability. For instance, during a change in government or leadership, a spokesperson might emphasize that '对外政策照旧' (Foreign policy remains as before) to reassure international partners.

Scenario 1: Business and Retail
In the retail sector, especially during holidays like the Lunar New Year or National Day, many shops close. Those that stay open will often display signs saying '节日期间，照旧营业' (Open as usual during the holiday). This is a vital piece of information for consumers.

虽然商场在装修，但超市部分照旧开放。(Suīrán shāngchǎng zài zhuāngxiū, dàn chāoshì bùfèn zhàojiù kāifàng.) - Although the mall is under renovation, the supermarket section remains open as usual.

You will also encounter '照旧' in social settings when discussing habits. If you meet an old classmate after many years and notice they still have the same hobby or quirk, you might say, '你照旧喜欢喝那种苦咖啡啊' (You still like drinking that bitter coffee as usual). It adds a layer of familiarity and observation of long-term patterns. It is also common in workplace settings when a project is proceeding according to the original plan despite a minor setback: '计划照旧进行' (The plan proceeds as usual).

Scenario 2: Workplace Dynamics
When a meeting is scheduled and there is a sudden weather event or a minor technical glitch, the organizer might send a message: '会议照旧在三楼会议室举行' (The meeting will still be held in the third-floor conference room as scheduled).

尽管发生了这么多事，他每天早上照旧去公园散步。(Jǐnguǎn fāshēngle zhème duō shì, tā měitiān zǎoshang zhàojiù qù gōngyuán sànbù.) - Despite everything that happened, he still goes for a walk in the park every morning as usual.

Finally, in literature and storytelling, '照旧' is used to describe the unchanging nature of the physical world in contrast to the transient nature of human life. A writer might describe a river flowing '照旧' or a mountain standing '照旧' to emphasize the passage of time. This poetic usage is common in modern Chinese prose and lyrics.

While 照旧 (zhàojiù) is a relatively straightforward adverb, learners often confuse it with other words that mean 'still' or 'as before.' Understanding these subtle differences is crucial for reaching a B2 level of proficiency and beyond.

Mistake 1: Confusing '照旧' with '仍然' (réngrán)
'仍然' emphasizes the continuation of a state (still), whereas '照旧' emphasizes that the manner or pattern is the same as before. If you want to say 'It is still raining,' use '仍然'. If you want to say 'He is working as usual despite the rain,' use '照旧'.

Incorrect: 下雨了，他照旧在下雨。(Wrong context for 'as usual')
Correct: 虽然下雨了，他照旧出去跑步。(He went running as usual.)

Another common error is using '照旧' to modify a noun directly. '照旧' is an adverb, not an adjective. You cannot say '照旧的衣服' (as usual clothes). Instead, you would use '旧' (old) or '以前的' (former). However, you can use '照旧' in the structure '一切照旧' where it acts as a predicate.

Mistake 2: Using '照旧' as an Adjective
Remember that '照旧' describes *how* an action is performed, not the quality of an object. You can't say '他的照旧生活' (his as-usual life). You should say '他的生活照旧' (his life remains as before).

Incorrect: 这是一个照旧的问题。(This is an as-usual problem.)
Correct: 这个问题照旧存在。(This problem still exists as before.)

Lastly, learners sometimes use '照旧' when they actually mean '经常' (often) or '总是' (always). While '照旧' implies a repeated pattern, its primary focus is on the *lack of change* from a previous point in time. If there is no 'previous state' to compare it to, '照旧' is inappropriate.

Mistake 3: Misunderstanding the 'Comparison' Aspect
'照旧' requires a reference point. If you are just describing a general habit without implying it hasn't changed despite something else, '总是' or '习惯' might be better.

Chinese has several words that overlap with 照旧 (zhàojiù). Distinguishing between them is a hallmark of an advanced learner. Here is a comparison of the most common synonyms and related terms.

依旧 (yījiù)
'依旧' is very similar to '照旧' and often interchangeable. However, '依旧' is slightly more formal and literary. It is frequently used in poetry and songs to describe things that remain unchanged over long periods (e.g., '依旧美丽'). '照旧' is more common in practical, daily contexts like '照旧营业'.
仍然 (réngrán)
'仍然' translates to 'still.' It focuses on the continuation of an action or state. While '照旧' implies following a past pattern, '仍然' simply means the state hasn't ended. For example, '他仍然在学习' (He is still studying) vs. '他照旧在那个时间学习' (He is studying at that time as usual).
仍旧 (réngjiù)
A combination of '仍然' and '照旧.' It is used similarly to '仍然' but carries a slightly stronger sense of 'as before.' It is quite formal.
老样子 (lǎo yàngzi)
The colloquial, spoken equivalent of '照旧' or '一切照旧.' When a friend asks 'How are things?' you might reply '还是老样子' (Same as always). You would rarely use '照旧' in this casual response unless you wanted to sound more precise.

Comparison Example:
1. 他照旧每天跑五公里。(Focus on the routine/manner)
2. 他仍然每天跑五公里。(Focus on the fact he hasn't stopped)
3. 生活还是老样子。(Focus on casual description of state)

In summary, choose '照旧' for routines and formal 'as usual' contexts, '依旧' for literary 'as before,' '仍然' for 'still,' and '老样子' for casual conversation about the status quo.

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Examples by Level

1

我照旧喝茶。

I drink tea as usual.

Subject + 照旧 + Verb.

2

他照旧去学校。

He goes to school as usual.

'照旧' comes before the verb '去'.

3

今天照旧是晴天。

Today is a sunny day as usual.

Using '照旧' with the verb '是'.

4

我们照旧八点见。

We meet at eight as usual.

Time expression + 照旧 + Verb.

5

商店照旧开门。

The shop opens as usual.

Subject + 照旧 + Verb.

6

他照旧不说话。

He doesn't speak as usual.

照旧 + Negative '不' + Verb.

7

一切照旧。

Everything as usual.

Common four-character phrase.

8

我照旧喜欢你。

I like you as before.

Subject + 照旧 + Verb.

1

虽然累了，他照旧在工作。

Although tired, he is working as usual.

Contrast '虽然...但是' (but '但是' is omitted here).

2

星期六我照旧去图书馆。

I go to the library on Saturday as usual.

Adverbial of time + Subject + 照旧 + Verb.

3

老师照旧很严格。

The teacher is as strict as before.

照旧 + Adjective phrase.

4

这里的早饭照旧很好吃。

The breakfast here is as delicious as usual.

Subject + 照旧 + Adjective.

5

他照旧每天早上打太极。

He still practices Tai Chi every morning as usual.

照旧 + Frequency + Verb.

6

虽然下雪了，公共汽车照旧运行。

Although it snowed, the bus is running as usual.

Subject + 照旧 + Verb.

7

他照旧穿着那件旧衣服。

He is wearing those old clothes as usual.

照旧 + Verb + Aspect marker '着'.

8

一切照旧，没有变化。

Everything as usual, no changes.

Common phrase '一切照旧'.

1

哪怕环境变了，他照旧坚持自己的理想。

Even if the environment changed, he still sticks to his ideals as before.

Conjunction '哪怕' (even if) + 照旧.

2

周末这家餐厅照旧排长队。

This restaurant still has long lines on weekends as usual.

Subject + 照旧 + Verb phrase.

3

我劝了他很多次，他照旧不听我的建议。

I advised him many times, but he still doesn't listen to my suggestions as usual.

Negative structure '照旧不'.

4

尽管已经退休了，他照旧每天看报纸。

Despite having retired, he still reads the newspaper every day as usual.

Conjunction '尽管' (despite) + 照旧.

5

那个小镇的生活照旧那么宁静。

Life in that small town is as peaceful as ever.

Subject + 照旧 + Degree adverb '那么' + Adjective.

6

春节期间，快递服务照旧运行吗？

Does the delivery service operate as usual during the Spring Festival?

Interrogative sentence with '照旧'.

7

无论发生什么，我们的计划照旧。

No matter what happens, our plan remains as before.

照旧 used as a predicate.

8

他还是照旧，一点都没变。

He is still the same, hasn't changed a bit.

Combining '还是' and '照旧' for emphasis.

1

虽然市场竞争激烈，但该公司的销量照旧领先。

Although market competition is fierce, the company's sales volume still leads as before.

Business context usage.

2

他照旧保持着那份对科学的热爱。

He still maintains that love for science as before.

照旧 + Verb '保持' + Aspect '着'.

3

即便面临困难，他照旧从容应对。

Even in the face of difficulties, he still deals with them calmly as usual.

Using '即便' (even if) with '照旧'.

4

那家老店的招牌菜照旧是原来的味道。

The signature dish of that old shop still has its original flavor.

Subject + 照旧 + 是.

5

会议的议程照旧，没有变动。

The agenda of the meeting remains as before, with no changes.

照旧 as a predicate in a formal context.

6

他照旧没能说服父母支持他的决定。

As usual, he failed to persuade his parents to support his decision.

照旧 + Potential complement negative.

7

经过几年的发展，这个地区的传统习俗照旧保留着。

After years of development, the traditional customs of this area are still preserved as before.

照旧 + Verb '保留' + Aspect '着'.

8

既然你没意见，那我们就照旧处理吧。

Since you have no objection, let's handle it as usual.

Using '照旧' as an adverb for a verb '处理'.

1

尽管岁月流逝，那座古桥照旧屹立在河面上。

Despite the passage of time, that ancient bridge still stands firm over the river as before.

Literary usage with '屹立' (stand firm).

2

他的这种固执性格，照旧让身边的人感到无奈。

This stubborn personality of his, as usual, makes those around him feel helpless.

Abstract subject + 照旧 + Causative structure.

3

在数字化浪潮中，这家书店照旧坚持经营纸质书。

Amidst the digital wave, this bookstore still insists on selling paper books as before.

Prepositional phrase '在...中' + 照旧.

4

无论政局如何动荡，当地的边贸活动照旧繁忙。

No matter how turbulent the political situation, local border trade activities remain as busy as ever.

Complex conditional clause + 照旧.

5

他照旧用那种审视的目光打量着每一个陌生人。

He still sized up every stranger with that scrutinizing gaze as before.

照旧 + Prepositional phrase '用...目光'.

6

一切照旧的表象下，暗流正在涌动。

Under the surface where everything seems as usual, undercurrents are surging.

Using '一切照旧' as an attributive phrase.

7

即便身居高位，他照旧保持着谦逊的作风。

Even in a high position, he still maintains a humble style as before.

Contrastive structure with '即便'.

8

虽然技术在进步，但某些传统工艺照旧无法被机器取代。

Although technology is advancing, certain traditional crafts still cannot be replaced by machines as before.

Formal discussion of technology vs. tradition.

1

历史的轮盘滚滚向前，而人性中的贪婪与恐惧却照旧上演。

The wheel of history rolls forward, yet greed and fear in human nature continue to play out as before.

Philosophical/Literary context.

2

那片被遗忘的荒原，照旧在寂静中诉说着往昔的辉煌。

That forgotten wasteland still tells of past glory in the silence as before.

Personification in literary prose.

3

尽管遭到了严厉的批评，他照旧我行我素，毫不收敛。

Despite severe criticism, he still went his own way as before, without any restraint.

Using '照旧' with the idiom '我行我素'.

4

在这部新作品中，导演照旧运用了他标志性的长镜头。

In this new work, the director still employed his signature long takes as before.

Artistic/Critical analysis context.

5

虽然时代在变，但那份对故土的眷恋照旧深深刻在人们心中。

Though times change, that attachment to one's homeland is still deeply engraved in people's hearts as before.

Abstract emotional context.

6

协议的执行情况照旧不理想，双方仍需进一步协商。

The implementation of the agreement is still not ideal, and both parties still need further consultation.

Formal business/diplomatic usage.

7

那些古老的教条，在某些偏远地区照旧被奉为真理。

Those ancient dogmas are still regarded as truth in some remote areas as before.

Sociological observation.

8

他照旧是那个沉默寡言的人，即便在最热闹的聚会上也是如此。

He is still that taciturn person, even at the liveliest parties.

Character description using '照旧是'.

Common Collocations

照旧进行
照旧营业
一切照旧
照旧上班
照旧处理
照旧执行
照旧开放
照旧喜欢
照旧那么
生活照旧

Common Phrases

一切照旧

— Everything remains as before; business as usual. Used to summarize a state of no change.

新经理来了，但部门的工作一切照旧。

照旧营业

— Open as usual. Commonly seen on shop signs during holidays.

本店春节期间照旧营业。

计划照旧

— The plan remains unchanged. Used when confirming arrangements despite obstacles.

虽然下雨，我们的旅行计划照旧。

照旧进行

— Proceed as usual. Used for events, meetings, or processes.

比赛将照旧进行。

照旧上班

— Go to work as usual. Used to describe maintaining one's job routine.

明天是周六，但他照旧上班。

照旧处理

— Handle as before. Used in administrative or decision-making contexts.

类似的问题我们照旧处理即可。

照旧运行

— Operate as usual. Used for systems, transportation, or machinery.

地铁在假期照旧运行。

照旧如故

— Exactly as before. A more formal way to emphasize lack of change.

那家老店的装修照旧如故。

语气照旧

— The tone of voice is the same as before. Used in descriptions of people.

他的语气照旧那么温和。

习惯照旧

— Habits remain the same. Used to describe long-term behaviors.

他晚睡早起的习惯照旧。

Idioms & Expressions

"依然如故"

— To remain exactly the same as before. This idiom is very close to '照旧' but more formal.

别后多年，他依然如故。

Formal/Literary
"墨守成规"

— To stick to old conventions stubbornly. This is the negative side of '照旧'.

我们不能墨守成规，要勇于创新。

Negative/Formal
"一如既往"

— Just as in the past; as always. Often used for positive consistency.

他一如既往地支持公益事业。

Positive/Formal
"故态复萌"

— To revert to one's old ways (usually bad habits).

戒烟才一个月，他就故态复萌了。

Negative/Informal
"循规蹈矩"

— To follow the rules and act in a conventional way.

他一直是一个循规蹈矩的人。

Neutral
"老调重弹"

— To harp on the same old string; to repeat the same old story.

他又是老调重弹，大家都不想听了。

Negative
"陈陈相因"

— To follo

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