老是 (lǎo shì) — always (used for annoying or undesirable repeated actions)
Definition
老是 means 'always' but carries a complaining tone — the repeated action is annoying or unwanted. 总是 is neutral and can describe any habit, good or bad.
adverb
always (used for annoying or undesirable repeated actions)
Examples
- 老是，。Tā lǎo shì chí dào, lǎo bǎn hěn bù shǒu shí.He is always late and very unpunctual.
- 老是，。Nǐ lǎo shì zài kè shàng shuō huà, huì yǐng xiǎng bié rén.You're always talking in class, and it affects others.
- 老是。Mā ma lǎo shì dān xīn wǒ yí gè rén chū mén.Mom is always worried about me going out alone.
Origin
Compound word构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head
The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.
In 老是, 老 gives repeatedness, while 是 is a function particle; the whole is fixed and not read as 'be'.
Grammar
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