B2 adverb Neutral 1 min read

相继

xiangji /ɕjaŋ˥ tɕi˥˩/
Practice it

It describes different entities performing the same action or entering the same state in close succession.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • One after another in a sequence.
  • Requires multiple subjects or a collective group.
  • Common in formal writing and news reports.

Overview

“相继”是一个常用的副词，核心含义是“一个接一个地”。它在句子中主要起连接作用，描述一系列动作或事件在时间轴上紧密接续的状态。

词义辨析：

  • 相继 vs. 陆续：“陆续”侧重于断断续续，时间跨度可能较长，语气较随意；“相继”则更强调紧凑的接续感，多用于正式场合。
  • 相继 vs. 连续：“连续”指同一个主体或动作中间没有间断（uninterrupted），而“相继”侧重于不同主体之间的先后更替。

Examples

1

晚会结束后，宾客们相继离去。

everyday

After the party ended, the guests left one after another.

2

该地区相继发生了几次小规模地震。

formal

Several small-scale earthquakes occurred in succession in this area.

3

我的朋友们相继结婚了，只剩我一个单身。

informal

My friends got married one after another, leaving only me single.

4

随着研究的深入，新的证据相继出现。

academic

As the research deepened, new evidence emerged in succession.

Common Collocations

相继出台 be introduced one after another (policies)
相继问世 be published/released in succession
相继去世 pass away one after another

Common Phrases

相继而至

to arrive one after another

相继而行

to follow in sequence

Often Confused With

相继 vs 陆续

'陆续' implies an intermittent flow over a longer period, while '相继' emphasizes a tighter sequence of events.

相继 vs 连续

'连续' means without interruption (often same subject), whereas '相继' focuses on the order of different subjects.

Grammar Patterns

Subject (Plural) + 相继 + Verb Subject (Plural) + 相继 + 动词短语

How to Use It

Usage Notes

The word '相继' carries a neutral to formal register. It is most effective when describing a series of similar actions performed by different members of a group. Avoid using it for repetitive actions performed by a single individual.

Common Mistakes

The most common error is using '相继' with a singular subject. For example, 'He went to the store one after another' is logically impossible in Chinese using this word. Another mistake is using it for events that happen simultaneously.

Tips

💡

Use for orderly sequential formal events

When describing guests arriving at a gala or companies launching products, '相继' adds a professional tone.

⚠️

Don't confuse with continuous action

If one person does something for 5 hours without stopping, use '连续', not '相继'.

🌍

Reflecting order in Chinese narrative

In Chinese culture, emphasizing the sequence of events (order) is important in historical and formal records.

Word Origin

'相' (xiāng) means mutually or each other; '继' (jì) means to follow or continue. Together they describe a chain of following.

Cultural Context

In formal Chinese documentation, '相继' is preferred over more colloquial terms to maintain a professional and objective narrative voice.

Memory Tip

Focus on the characters: '相' (each other) and '继' (to continue). It's about things continuing in relation to each other.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

不可以。因为“相继”表示的是个体之间的先后更替，主语必须是复数或指代多个对象。

“纷纷”强调多而杂乱、同时或接连发生；“相继”则严格强调时间的先后次序。

它更偏向书面语，但在正式的口头报告或新闻播报中非常常见。

通常接动词或动词短语，描述状态变化的形容词（如：变红）也可以，但较少见。

Test Yourself

fill blank

春天到了，公园里的花儿___开放了。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: a

“相继”描述不同种类的花一个接一个地开放，符合语境。

multiple choice

选择错误的句子：

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: b

“他”是单数主语，不能使用“相继”，应改用“接连”或“连续”。

sentence building

了 / 这里的 / 商店 / 相继 / 倒闭

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: c

正确的语序是：主语（这里的商店）+ 副词（相继）+ 动词（倒闭了）。

Score: /3

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