Definition
老是 (lǎo shì) means 'always' but specifically for actions that are annoying, undesirable, or excessive — it carries a negative tone. 总是 (zǒng shì) is the neutral 'always' without this judgment, while 老 (lǎo) as an adverb is a colloquial 'always' that can be positive or negative depending on context.
adverb
always (used for annoying or undesirable repeated actions)
Easily confused
- 老师lǎo shīsound-aliketeacher
- 老实lǎo shisound-alikehonest, sincere, straightforward
Examples
- 老是，。Tā lǎo shì chídào, hěn bù shǒu shí.He is always late and very unpunctual.
- 老是，。Nǐ lǎo shì zài kè shàng shuōhuà, huì yǐngxiǎng biérén.You're always talking in class, and it affects others.
- 老是。Māma lǎo shì dānxīn wǒ yí gè rén chūmén.Mom is always worried about me going out alone.
Grammar
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