终年

zhōng nián

entire year

HSK 6

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The term '终年' (zhōngnián) literally means 'the entire year' or 'throughout the year.' It is often used to describe conditions, states, or activities that persist continuously over the course of a full year without interruption.

Common Contexts

You will frequently see '终年' used in descriptions of climate, natural phenomena, or habitual states, such as '终年' (snow-covered all year) or '终年温暖' (warm throughout the year). It can also describe ongoing personal states, like being busy or engaged in an activity all year.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 终年: snow-covered all year, used for mountains or regions
  • 终年温暖: warm throughout the year, describing climate
  • 终年忙碌: busy all year, describing a person's continuous activity

Nuances

Using '终年' emphasizes the uninterrupted, year-round nature of the condition or activity. It is more formal and descriptive than simply saying '' or '.' Avoid confusing it with '' which means 'for life.'

Example Sentences

这座山终年积雪,景色非常壮观。

Zhè zuò shān zhōngnián jīxuě, jǐngsè fēicháng zhuàngguān.

This mountain is covered with snow throughout the year, and the scenery is

该地区终年温暖,适合种植热带水果。

Gāi dìqū zhōngnián wēnnuǎn, shìhé zhòngzhí rèdài shuǐguǒ.

This region is warm all year round, suitable for growing tropical fruits.

他终年忙于工作,很少有休息时间。

Tā zhōngnián máng yú gōngzuò, hěn shǎo yǒu xiūxí shíjiān.

He is busy with work throughout the year and rarely has time to rest.