Again and Again: 频频
频率副词：频频
Use 频频 to describe actions that happen frequently or repeatedly, often in a vivid or noteworthy manner
频频 means "frequently / repeatedly / again and again" and describes actions that occur with notable frequency. It carries a vivid, almost journalistic quality and is used when the repetition itself is noteworthy — whether positive, negative, or neutral.
频频 is a reduplicated form of 频 (frequent) and belongs to the semi-formal to formal register. It is common in news writing, narrative prose, and descriptive passages. Unlike 经常 (often) or 常常 (frequently), 频频 emphasizes the rapid succession or striking frequency of actions and often creates a vivid mental image.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Again and Again: 频频 (频率副词：频频)
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Understanding 频率副词：频频
The adverb 频频 adds drama and vividness to your Chinese by highlighting that something happens not just often, but repeatedly and noticeably. When a journalist writes that a diplomat 频频出访 (makes frequent visits), or that a company 频频出事 (has repeated incidents), the word 频频 draws the reader's attention to the pattern of repetition itself. This makes it an excellent tool for narrative writing, news reporting, and vivid description. Unlike the neutral 经常 or 常常, 频频 implies that the frequency is remarkable enough to be worth commenting on. It can describe positive events (频频举杯 — raising glasses again and again at a celebration), negative events (频频出错 — making mistakes repeatedly), or neutral ones (频频点头 — nodding repeatedly). The reduplication gives it a rhythmic quality that makes sentences more expressive.
Key Points
- 频频 means "frequently / repeatedly" with emphasis on the striking or noteworthy nature of the repetition.
- It is a reduplicated form (频频) that adds vividness and rhythm to sentences.
- Common in news, narrative prose, and formal descriptions.
- More expressive and dramatic than 经常 or 常常.
- Can describe positive, negative, or neutral repeated actions.
- Often appears with action verbs: 频频举杯, 频频点头, 频频出访, 频频出错.
Reduplication is a fundamental feature of Chinese that adds expressiveness, vividness, and rhythm. Adverb reduplication (频频, 常常, 渐渐, 偷偷) is particularly common in literary and journalistic Chinese. Mastering these reduplicated adverbs will make your Chinese sound more natural and expressive.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
他频频与朋友们以及他的竞争者们打招呼。
He greeted his friends as well as his competitors again and again.
Social setting — frequent greetings
气氛十分热烈，大家频频举杯，说笑不停，非常高兴。
The atmosphere was very lively — everyone kept raising their glasses, chatting and laughing nonstop, extremely happy.
Celebratory scene
最近这家公司频频出事，引起了监管部门的关注。
This company has had repeated incidents recently, attracting the attention of regulators.
听了他的报告，台下的专家频频点头。
After listening to his report, the experts in the audience nodded repeatedly.
她在比赛中频频失误，最终遗憾落败。
She made repeated mistakes during the competition and ultimately lost regrettably.
近年来，极端天气频频出现，令人担忧。
In recent years, extreme weather has appeared with alarming frequency, causing concern.
这位外交官频频出访亚洲各国。
This diplomat makes frequent visits to various Asian countries.
Common Mistakes
频频 describes actions whose frequency is noteworthy or remarkable. Eating breakfast daily is a mundane routine — use 每天 or 经常 instead. Reserve 频频 for when the repetition itself is the point.
频频 modifies action verbs (things that happen repeatedly), not 是 or stative descriptions. Being a good person is a continuous state, not a repeated action.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Use 频频 when the frequency itself is the story — not for mundane routines, but for patterns that deserve attention.
It works especially well in news writing and narrative: 频频出访, 频频获奖, 频频出事, 频频点头.
Remember: 经常/常常 = neutral "often," while 频频 = "again and again" with dramatic emphasis.
The reduplicated form gives your writing rhythm — pair it with other vivid descriptions for expressive prose.
Homework
Write a short news report (5-6 sentences) about a topic of your choice using 频频 at least three times. Possible topics: a sports team that keeps losing, a city experiencing frequent natural disasters, or a celebrity making repeated public appearances.