At times, it can be hard to know whether to use “常常” or “往往,” as both words can be used to describe something that happens frequently or often. Let’s take a look at some examples:
- 冬天的时候，这儿常常（往往）有零下七八度。
- 常常（往往）在考试的前一天，马丁才开始复习。
- 新年常常（往往）是孩子们最高兴的时候。
- 他常常（往往）工作到深夜。
There are a few main differences between these two words. Using “往往” emphasizes the regularity of something that happens often. In addition, the condition under which that something happens or the result of it happening will be clearly expressed within the sentence. “常常,” on the other hand, just focuses on the fact that something happens often without implying that there is any regularity to it. There is usually also no mention of a condition or result when using. The following examples more clearly demonstrate the differences between these two:
-a. 他常常（﹡往往）感冒。
-b. 他常常（﹡往往）发烧。
-c. 他常常（往往）一感冒就发烧。(“发烧” is the result)
-a. 我们常常（﹡往往）去看电影。
-b. 我们常常（往往）星期六晚上去看电影。(“星期六晚上” is the condition)
-a. 这儿常常（﹡往往）下雪。
-b. 冬天的时候，这儿常常（往往）下雪。(“冬天的时候” is the condition)
Apart from the above differences, there are four more points that we should pay attention to:
“常常” can be used to express someone’s wish or idea, whereas “往往” cannot:
父母希望孩子能常常（﹡往往）回家看看。
“常常” can be used in the future tense while “往往” is most often used in the past tense.
明年我退休了，可以常常（﹡往往）去旅游了。
The negative form of “常常” is “不常常” or “不常.” “往往” does not have a negative form, but is instead negated within a sentence by placing the word “不” or “没” in front of the verb.
“往往” is considered to be more formal than “常常.”
The following chart summarizes the differences between these two words:
"* = incorrect"
