Definition
周而复始 is a four-character idiom meaning 'to go round and begin again' — it describes a cycle that repeats endlessly, like the seasons, a repeated process, or a recurring situation. The literal breakdown is 'circle (周) and then (而) return (复) to start (始)'. Use it to emphasize cyclical, endless repetition, not just any sequence.
f.e.
to move in cyclesto repeat a process again and againcyclicalin an endless loop
Examples
- 周而复始,。Sìjì zhōu ér fù shǐ, chūntiān yòu lái le.The four seasons cycle round and spring has come again.
- 周而复始,。Lìshǐ zhōu ér fù shǐ, měi ge wángcháo dōu yǒu xīngshuāi.History repeats itself; every dynasty has its rise and fall.
- 周而复始,。Zhè zhǒng gōngzuò zhōu ér fù shǐ, ràng wǒ juéde yǒuxiē wúliáo.This kind of work goes in cycles and makes me feel a bit bored.
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