时时

• Pinyin: shí shí
• Hanzi breakdown: 时时 = reduplication of 时 (time) — constantly, at all times

Meaning

Often; constantly; at all times. An adverb indicating frequent or continuous occurrence.

Emphasizes repetition or persistence over time. More literary than 常常 or 经常. Often paired with 刻刻 (时时刻刻) for stronger emphasis meaning 'every moment.' Conveys a sense of habitual or ongoing action.

Examples

1. 她时时提醒自己不要重蹈覆辙。 She constantly reminds herself not to repeat the same mistakes.
2. 老师的教诲时时回响在我耳边。 The teacher's guidance echoes in my ears all the time.
3. 他时时关注着国际局势的变化。 He constantly pays attention to changes in the international situation.

Usage Guide

Context: written, reflective, formal

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 我时时想念家乡。(I constantly miss my hometown.)
• 他时时刻刻保持警惕。(He stays alert at every moment.)

Don't Say

• 口语中用'老是'或'总是'更自然 (In casual speech, use 老是 or 总是 — 时时 sounds literary)

Origin & History

Reduplication of 时 (time). Reduplicated form creates adverbial meaning of 'at all times' or 'constantly.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated