老是

lǎoshi

adverb HSK 2 #4,569

Meanings

1 always (with a hint of annoyance)

Characters

always (colloquial intensifier)

Examples

他老是迟到。

Tā lǎoshi chídào.

He is always late.

你老是忘记带钥匙。

Nǐ lǎoshi wàngjì dài yàoshi.

You always forget to bring your keys.

别老是看手机。

Bié lǎoshi kàn shǒujī.

Stop always looking at your phone.

Tips

usage

老是 implies complaint or annoyance — "always" in a negative sense. Compare: 他经常帮助别人 (He often helps others — neutral/positive) vs 他老是迟到 (He's always late — annoyed tone).

Stroke Order

老 lǎo

是 shì