不断

• Pinyin: bù duàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 不 = negation character; 断 = simplified from 斷, meaning to cut or break

Meaning

Continuously; unceasingly. Describes an action or state that keeps happening without stopping.

Functions as both a verb meaning 'to not cease' and an adverb meaning 'continuously' or 'constantly.' Used to emphasise that something is ongoing or happening repeatedly without interruption. Common in both spoken and written Chinese. Often placed before the verb it modifies.

Examples

1. 他不断地练习，终于学会了游泳。 He practised continuously and finally learned to swim.
2. 城市在不断发展，变化很大。 The city is constantly developing, and the changes are significant.
3. 她不断提醒我带雨伞。 She keeps reminding me to bring an umbrella.

Usage Guide

Context: education, work, everyday

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 科技在不断进步。(Technology is continuously advancing.)
• 他不断努力，成绩越来越好。(He keeps working hard, and his grades are getting better and better.)

Don't Say

• 我不断吃了一个苹果。(Don't use 不断 for one-time completed actions — it emphasises continuous or repeated activity, not a single event)

Origin & History

不 (not) + 断 (to break, to cease). Literally 'not breaking off,' meaning something that continues without interruption.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal