How to use 了又
Subj. + Verb + 了 + 又 + Verb
Repeating a short verb in the pattern Verb + 了 + 又 + Verb emphasizes recurrence. It often describes looking, thinking, asking, trying, or searching repeatedly. Rather than counting two precise occurrences, the speaker presents the activity as performed again and again. An object can be established earlier so the repeated verb remains compact.
A following clause with 还是 or 就是 often says that the result remained unchanged despite the repeated effort. This contrast is common, but the recurrence itself is the pattern’s central meaning. 了 follows the first verb, while 又 connects it to the repeated form. Learn the expression with suitable short verbs rather than extending it mechanically to every multiword activity.
Examples with pinyin and English
这个人我看了又看， 还是觉得我不认识他。
I looked at him again and again, but I still think I don't know him.
我想了又想， 还是觉得不能这样做。
I thought it over again and again, but I still feel I can't do this.
他找了又找， 还是没找到他的钱包。
He searched again and again, and still couldn't find his wallet.
他想了又想， 还是不同意。
He thought it over again and again, and he still disagrees.
What to remember
- Repeat the same short verb.
- 了 follows the first occurrence.
- 还是 often introduces an unchanged result.
Practise the pattern
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Source and editorial notes
Explanation rewritten for Laowai. Examples are adapted from the Laowai English grammar curriculum, with editorial corrections where needed. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
Difficulty labels describe the level of the explanation; they are not official HSK placement. Send a correction with this page’s URL.