Structure
S + 常常 chángcháng + VO
常常 chángcháng (often, usually) refers to a behavior or action that occurs frequently and with short intervals between occurrences. Therefore, it cannot be used in the negative form. Also, unlike in English, frequency adverbs in Chinese are typically not placed at the end of sentences.
我常常覺得他很笨我常常觉得他很笨
I often think he is dumb.
你常常在上課的時候睡覺嗎?你常常在上课的时候睡觉吗?
Do you often sleep during class?
我常常忘記新朋友的名字我常常忘记新朋友的名字
I often forget new friends’ names.
老師常常拉肚子老师常常拉肚子
The teacher often has diarrhea.
FYI
I understand that many foreigners may encounter stomach issues when in China or Taiwan due to differences in food. However, when it comes to explaining your condition to a doctor, colleagues, or friends, it’s best to steer clear of using medical terminology like 腹泻 fùxiè for “diarrhea” as found in dictionaries. Instead, a more casual and commonly used term is 拉肚子 lādùzi, which means “having diarrhea.”
Now, here’s another cultural aspect to consider. Is it considered oversharing to inform friends, teachers, or colleagues about your bout of diarrhea? In Chinese culture, it’s actually perfectly acceptable and even encouraged. By letting people know about your situation, they can offer assistance and show their concern.
S + 常 cháng + VO
常 cháng indicates that a behavior occurs more than once; it can also mean ordinary, common, or long-lasting. Therefore, it can be used in the negative form.
我常在早上喝一杯咖啡我常在早上喝一杯咖啡
I often have a cup of coffee in the morning.
我的狗常在我的腳上睡覺我的狗常在我的脚上睡觉
My dog often sleeps on my feet.
她不常吃早飯她不常吃早饭
She doesn’t often eat breakfast.
你常練習中文嗎?你常练习中文吗?
Do you often practice Chinese?