层层 + 动词
at every level; stage after stage
Structure
层层 双音节动词（把关／检测／审批／筛选／加码…） ／ 经过 层层 名词（选拔／审批…）
What it means
层 is a layer or a level; doubled before a verb, it says the action is repeated at every level of a system or every stage of a process.
How it is built
层层 + two-syllable verb, with no 地: 层层把关 (checked at every stage); or 经过 + 层层 + noun: 经过层层选拔 (after round upon round of selection).
When to use it
Written and formal. With checks it praises thoroughness (层层把关, 层层筛选); in commentary it is often critical: 层层加码 (each level adds its own extra), 层层转包, 层层上报.
Watch out
It is about levels and stages, not about time: for “again and again” say 一再 or 反复: ✗层层提醒 ✓一再提醒.
Examples
如今，奶粉从收奶到出厂要经过层层抽样检测。
Today formula is sampled and tested at every stage from the collection of the milk to the factory gate.
这批药品出厂前层层把关，每一箱都有检验记录。
This batch of medicine was checked at every stage before it left the factory, and every box has a test record.
任务从省里到县里层层加码，到了村里已经完全变了样。
The target was raised at every level on its way down from the province to the county, and by the time it reached the villages it was unrecognisable.
Learn this in Lesson 140 · HSK 7–9: 一罐奶粉 (A can of milk powder)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
Open the lesson →