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HSK 2.0 Level 6+ HSK 3.0 Level 7–9+ 6 min read

屡次, 一连, 连连 and 相继 for Repeated Actions

Learn ten advanced frequency adverbs: 屡次/屡屡 “time and again”, 一连 “in a row”, 连连 “again and again”, 一个劲儿 “non-stop”, 相继 “one after another”, 再度 “once again”, 时而, 时时 and 频.

Pattern

frequency adverb + verb phrase

屡次 = many times over a long period; 一连 + number = in a row; 连连 = quickly again and again; 相继 = one after another; 再度 = once again.

他屡次获得全市数学比赛一等奖。

When to use 屡次, 一连, 连连 and 相继 for Repeated Actions

These adverbs go before the verb and say how often, or in what order, something happens. 屡次 and 屡屡 mean “time and again” for events spread over a long period (屡次获奖, 屡屡迟到). 一连 means “in a row” and needs a number and measure word (一连下了五天雨, 一连三天). 连连 is a quick repeat of a short action, often a reaction (连连点头, 连连称赞). 一个劲儿 (spoken) means “non-stop, persistently” and usually takes 地 (一个劲儿地笑). 相继 means “one after another” for several people or events in turn (同学们相继到了). 再度 is the formal “once again” (再度获得冠军). 时而 means “from time to time”, and 时而…时而… “now … now …”. 时时 means “constantly, all the time” (时时提醒自己). 频 is a written word for “frequently”, used before a one-syllable verb (好球频出) and in 频频.

这个星期一连下了五天雨。

This week it rained five days in a row.

听了我的解释，老师连连点头。

After hearing my explanation, the teacher nodded again and again.

下课铃一响，同学们相继离开了教室。

As soon as the bell rang, the students left the classroom one after another.

弟弟不想写作业，一个劲儿地说自己太累了。

My little brother didn’t want to do his homework and kept saying he was too tired.

Common traps

  • 一连 needs a number: 一连下了三天雨, not 一连下雨.
  • 相继 needs several people or events in turn; for one person doing something many times, use 屡次.
  • 连连 is for quick, short repeated actions like 点头 and 称赞, not for events years apart.

Targeted drill

Practice this exact pattern before moving on.

客人尝了一口妈妈做的菜， 称赞

The guest tasted Mum’s cooking and praised it again and again
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