HSK 4
往往
wǎngwǎng
usually
Structure
Condition/Background + 往往 + Verb/Result
How it works
往往 (wǎngwǎng) describes actions or situations that occur frequently or habitually under specific conditions. Unlike '经常' (often), it is used to summarize generalizations or past experiences rather than just stating frequency in the future.
Examples
周末，商业街的人往往很多。
Zhōumò, shāngyèjiē de rén wǎngwǎng hěnduō.
On weekends, the commercial street is often very crowded.
心情不好的时候，他往往一个人去散步。
Xīnqíng bù hǎo de shíhou, tā wǎngwǎng yígè rén qù sànbù.
When he is in a bad mood, he usually goes for a walk alone.
经验丰富的人往往能更快地解决问题。
Jīngyàn fēngfù de rén wǎngwǎng néng gèng kuài de jiějué wèntí.
Experienced people are often able to solve problems faster.
Common mistakes
Do not use '往往' to describe future intentions or purely random actions; use '经常' (jīngcháng) instead.
Tip
Think of '往往' as 'under these circumstances, this is usually what happens.' It almost always requires a specific condition or context stated before it.
More HSK 4 grammar
See 往往 in real Chinese
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