V着V着
while doing something for a while, something else happens
Structure
动词 + 着 + 动词 + 着 ，（就） ……
What it means
“While doing something for a while, something else happens”: it sets the scene, then something unplanned takes over.
How it is built
One-syllable action verb + 着 + the same verb + 着，(就) + what happens: 孩子听着听着就睡着了 (the child listened and before long fell asleep). 我们走着走着，天就黑了.
When to use it
Good for telling stories. The second part, usually with 就, happens by itself along the way: falling asleep, crying, getting lost, night falling: 她说着说着就哭了.
Watch out
Not for a decision you made: ✗ 我看着看着就去买票了。 ✓ 我看着看着就睡着了。
Examples
孩子听着听着就睡着了。
The child was listening, and before long he fell asleep.
她说着说着就哭了。
She was talking, and then she burst into tears.
我们走着走着，天就黑了。
We walked on and on, and before we knew it, it was dark.
Learn this in HSK 4 · Lesson 15: 七夕约会 (A Qixi date)
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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