Always, Forever in Chinese: Translations, Pinyin and How to Use
In Chinese, everyday words carry layers of meaning that help children grasp both language and culture. Expressions such as “always in Chinese” (“总是 zǒng shì” or “一直 yī zhí”) and “forever and always” (“永远如此 yǒng yuǎn rú cǐ”) teach continuity, commitment, and emotional warmth.
Wukong Education’s online Chinese courses use high-frequency words like these to build natural conversations and writing skills perfect for making Chinese study personal, practical, and fun.
Always in Chinese – Meanings and Expressions
Two common ways to say “always in Chinese” are “总是 (zǒng shì)” and “一直 (yī zhí)”.
总是 (zǒng shì) means “always” in the sense of a habit or repeated action.
一直 (yī zhí) emphasizes continuity—something happening from start to finish.
Examples:
他总是早起。Tā zǒng shì zǎo qǐ. (He always gets up early.)
她一直在看书。Tā yī zhí zài kàn shū. (She has been reading all along.)
Forever and Always in Chinese: Translations & Pinyin
Chinese offers several heartfelt ways to express “forever” or “forever and always.”
English | Chinese (Simplified) | Pinyin | Sample Sentence |
---|---|---|---|
always (habit) | 总是 | zǒng shì | 我总是想起你。Wǒ zǒng shì xiǎng qǐ nǐ. (I always think of you.) |
always (continuously) | 一直 | yī zhí | 我们一直在学习中文。Wǒmen yī zhí zài xuéxí zhōngwén. (We have always been learning Chinese.) |
forever | 永远 | yǒng yuǎn | 我们要永远做好朋友。Wǒmen yào yǒng yuǎn zuò hǎo péngyǒu. (We will be friends forever.) |
forever and always | 永远如此 | yǒng yuǎn rú cǐ | 愿我们的友谊永远如此。Yuàn wǒmen de yǒuyì yǒng yuǎn rú cǐ. (May our friendship be forever and always.) |
until forever | 直到永远 | zhí dào yǒng yuǎn | 爱你直到永远。Ài nǐ zhí dào yǒng yuǎn. (Love you until forever.) |
How to Use “Always” and “Forever” in Chinese
In Chinese, “always” and “forever” are expressed with different words depending on context and tone. Here are the most common ways:
English | Chinese (Simplified) | Pinyin | Usage Example (Chinese) | Usage Example (English) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Always (habitual) | 总是 | zǒng shì | 他总是第一个到教室。 | He is always the first to arrive in class. |
Always (inevitably) | 老是 | lǎo shì | 她上课老是迟到。 | She is always late to class. |
Forever (time without end) | 永远 | yǒng yuǎn | 我们永远记得这一天。 | We will forever remember this day. |
Forever (poetic/emotional) | 永久 | yǒng jiǔ | 这份友情是永久的。 | This friendship is permanent/forever. |
Tips for learners:
总是 (zǒng shì) is neutral, great for habits or repeated actions.
老是 (lǎo shì) sounds more colloquial and can imply a little annoyance.
永远 (yǒng yuǎn) fits best when talking about emotions, promises, or future continuity.
永久 (yǒng jiǔ) is more formal or literary, often used for official or written contexts.
Wukong Education’s Chinese Classes for Kids include pinyin games and printable worksheets on high-frequency words like these, so families can reinforce them at home.
Quick Quiz: Test How to Use Always in Chinese
Question | A | B | C | D |
---|---|---|---|---|
Which word means “always” in the sense of a habit? | 永远 | 总是 | 一直 | 直到永远 |
Which word shows continuous action from start to finish? | 总是 | 一直 | 永远如此 | 永远 |
“We are forever good friends” uses which phrase? | 总是 | 一直 | 永远 | 直到 |
What is the pinyin for 永远? | zǒng shì | yǒng yuǎn | yī zhí | zhí dào |
Which expression can mean “forever and always”? | 永远如此 | 一直 | 总是 | 朋友 |
Answer: B, D, C, B, A
Conclusion
Expressions like “always in Chinese” and “forever and always in Chinese” bring warmth, reliability, and emotion to language learning. They help children not only expand vocabulary but also connect Mandarin with real-life feelings.
Wukong Education integrates these high-frequency words into interactive lessons, making Chinese fun and meaningful.
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I have been deeply involved in the K12 education field for many years, acquiring rich professional knowledge and experience. My extensive understanding of Chinese culture and education enhances my ability to integrate diverse educational methodologies. I hold a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Melbourne, which bolsters my expertise and pedagogical skills. Passionate about fostering educational environments that inspire and empower, I am committed to creating inclusive learning experiences. My aim is to positively impact students’ lives and equip them with tools for success in a globalized world.
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