AdverbsHSK 5
Repeated actions in the past with 又
This pattern uses 又 with a repeated single-syllable verb to show an action was done again and again in the past. It's often followed by 还是 or 就是 to emphasize that despite the repetition, the outcome didn't change. Only single-syllable verbs like 看, 想, 问 work here, and 了 is placed right after the first verb.
Structure
Subj. + Verb + 了 + 又 + Verb + ， (还是 / 就是) …
The verb must be a single-syllable verb (e.g., 看, 想, 问). 还是 or 就是 often follow to stress that nothing changed after repeated actions.
Examples
- 这个人我看了又看，还是觉得我不认识他。Zhège rén wǒ kàn le yòu kàn, háishì juéde wǒ bù rènshi tā.I looked at him again and again, but I still think I don't know him.
- 他找了又找，还是没找到他的钱包。Tā zhǎo le yòu zhǎo , háishì méi zhǎodào tā de qiánbāo.He searched again and again, and still couldn't find his wallet.
- 我们问了又问，她就是不说。Wǒmen wèn le yòu wèn, tā jiùshì bù shuō.We asked again and again, but she wouldn't tell us.
- 他试了又试，就是打不开门。Tā shì le yòu shì, jiùshì dǎ bù kāi mén.He tried again and again, but he still couldn't open the door.
- 这个方案改了又改，终于通过了。Zhège fāng'àn gǎi le yòu gǎi , zhōngyú tōngguò le.This plan was changed again and again, and finally it was approved.