总是

• 拼音: zǒng shì
• 汉字拆解: 总 = simplified from 總, meaning general or always; 是 = 日 (sun) + 正 (straight), meaning to be or correct

含义

Always; invariably. Emphasises that something happens all the time or repeatedly without exception.

A common adverb indicating that an action or state occurs consistently or habitually. Stronger than 常常 (often) as it implies no exceptions. Can carry a neutral, positive, or slightly annoyed tone depending on context. Often used to describe habits, tendencies, or recurring situations.

例句

1. 他总是第一个到教室的人。
2. 妈妈总是担心我吃得不够多。
3. 为什么你总是忘记带钥匙？

用法指南

语境: everyday, description, complaint

语气: emphatic

正确说法

• 她总是面带微笑，很容易相处。(She always has a smile on her face and is easy to get along with.)
• 弟弟总是把房间弄得很乱。(My younger brother always makes his room messy.)

错误说法

• 我总是去过北京两次。(Don't confuse 总是 with 总共 — 总是 means 'always,' not 'in total'; say 我总共去过北京两次)

起源与历史

总 (always, general) + 是 (to be). Together forming an emphatic adverb meaning 'always,' with 是 reinforcing the certainty of 总.

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal