断断续续

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Character Breakdown

Usage and Nuance

The adverb 断断续续 (duàn duàn xù xù) describes something that happens intermittently or sporadically, often with pauses or breaks in between. It is commonly used to describe sounds, actions, or events that are not continuous but occur in a broken or irregular pattern.

Common Contexts

You will often hear 断断续续 used for describing intermittent rain, speech that is hard to hear clearly due to breaks, or habits and activities that are done irregularly.

Collocations and Patterns

Register and Tone

This phrase is neutral and suitable for both spoken and written Chinese. It is often used in everyday conversation and descriptive writing.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse 断断续续 with (continuous). 断断续续 implies breaks or interruptions, while means uninterrupted continuity.

Example Sentences

His voice was intermittent, and I couldn't clearly hear what he said.

The rain fell intermittently all day long.

He studies Chinese intermittently, so his progress is slow.