老
lǎo
Old
How to say “always” as a complaint with 老是 (lǎoshì)
Subj. + 老是 (lǎoshì) + Verb/Adj.
老是 (lǎo shì) — always (complaining)
HSK 3Adverbs
Subj. + 老是 (lǎoshì) + Verb/Adj.
HSK 3Adverbs老是 (lǎo shì) — always (complaining)
Rule structure
老是 (lǎoshì) means "always" but with a negative connotation, often used to complain about a frequent, annoying habit.
Rule structure
老是 (lǎoshì) means "always" but with a negative connotation, often used to complain about a frequent, annoying habit.
Examples
他老是抱怨。
Tā lǎoshì bàoyuàn.
He is always complaining.
我老是忘记。
Wǒ lǎo shì wàngjì.
I always forget.
他老是迟到。
Tā lǎo shì chídào.
He is always late.
Examples
他老是抱怨。
Tā lǎoshì bàoyuàn.
He is always complaining.
我老是忘记。
Wǒ lǎo shì wàngjì.
I always forget.
他老是迟到。
Tā lǎo shì chídào.
He is always late.
Practice
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Frequently asked questions
How do you say “always (complaining)” in Chinese with 老是?
Use the structure: Subj. + 老是 (lǎoshì) + Verb/Adj.. For example: 他老是抱怨。 — “He is always complaining”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
他老是抱怨。 — “He is always complaining”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.
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More HSK 3 grammar rules
一边 — doing two things at once
一边 (yìbiān) + Verb 1, 一边 (yìbiān) + Verb 2
终于 — finally
Subj. + 终于 (zhōngyú) + Verb + 了 (le)
总是 — always
总是 (zǒngshì) + Predicate
几乎 — nearly, almost
Subj. + 几乎 (jīhū) + Verb/Adj.
又 — again in the past
又 (yòu) + Verb + 了 (le)
才 — lateness, “not until”
Subj. + Time + 才 (cái) + Verb
只 — only, just
Subj. + 只 (zhǐ) + Verb + Obj.
先 — first… then…
先 (xiān)……, 再 (zài)……