动词 + 个 + 不停
to keep on (doing) nonstop
Structure
主语 单音节动词 个不停
What it means
“Keep on (doing) nonstop”: the noise or activity just will not stop, often with a note of impatience.
How it is built
Subject + one-syllable verb + 个不停: 骑手的手机响个不停 (the rider’s phone rings nonstop). Here 个 links the verb to the comment; it is not a measure word.
When to use it
Spoken and vivid. Typical verbs: 响, 下, 说, 哭, 笑, 忙. In writing, 不停地 + verb does the same job (手机不停地响). Lesson 2-13 also had 动词 + 个没完.
Watch out
✗ 下雨个不停 ✓ 雨下个不停: nothing follows 不停, so put the object before the verb or drop it. ✗ 下个不断: only 不停 fits.
Examples
午饭时间一到，骑手的手机就响个不停。
As soon as lunchtime comes, the rider’s phone rings nonstop.
雨下个不停，路上的积水越来越深。
The rain kept on falling and the water on the road got deeper and deeper.
孩子一见到爷爷就说个不停。
The moment the child sees Grandpa, she chatters away nonstop.
Learn this in Lesson 60 · HSK 6: 外卖骑手 (Delivery riders and the gig economy)
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.
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