经常 · 老是
often · always, keep (doing), usually as a complaint
Structure
主语 + 经常 + 动词 · 主语 + 老是／老 + 动词
What it means
经常 is a neutral “often”, just like 常常 (h1-18). 老是 (or just 老) means “always, keep on …” and usually shows you are annoyed or worried.
How it is built
Subject + 经常／老是 + verb: 他经常去图书馆看书 (He often goes to the library to read). 你怎么老是玩手机？ (Why are you always on your phone?)
When to use it
Use 经常 for plain facts about habits. Use 老是 to complain: 你老是忘 sounds like a complaint, not a fact.
Watch out
Both go after the subject and before the verb, never at the end as in English. ✗ 我去图书馆经常。 ✓ 我经常去图书馆。
Examples
我小时候经常住在奶奶家。
When I was little I often stayed at my grandma’s.
他经常去图书馆看书。
He often goes to the library to read.
你怎么老是玩手机？
Why are you always on your phone?
这个孩子老哭。
This child is always crying.
Learn this in HSK 2 · Lesson 21: 小时候 (Childhood)
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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