相继

xiāngjì

in succession

HSK 7

Character Breakdown

Usage and Meaning

The adverb "相继" (xiāngjì) is used to describe events or actions happening one after another in succession. It emphasizes a sequence of occurrences without interruption, often implying a close temporal connection.

Common Contexts

"相继" is frequently used in news reports, storytelling, and descriptions of multiple related events, such as accidents, product launches, or incidents.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 相继发生 (happen one after another): used for events or incidents occurring sequentially.
  • 相继推出 (launch successively): often used in business contexts for products or services.
  • 相继出现 (appear one after another): describing appearances or manifestations in sequence.

Nuances

Using "相继" implies a natural or notable sequence, often with some impact or significance. It differs from simply listing events by stressing their consecutive nature.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse "相继" with "连续" (liánxù), which also means continuous or successive but can imply an unbroken or uninterrupted sequence, whereas "相继" focuses more on the order and succession of distinct events.

Example Sentences

这几天,城市里相继发生了几起交通事故。

Zhè jǐ tiān, chéngshì lǐ xiāngjì fāshēngle jǐ qǐ jiāotōng shìgù.

In the past few days, several traffic accidents occurred one after another

公司相继推出了多款新产品,市场反响很好。

Gōngsī xiāngjì tuīchūle duō kuǎn xīn chǎnpǐn, shìchǎng fǎnxiǎng hěn hǎo.

The company launched several new products in succession, and the market

灾难相继发生,让人们感到非常震惊。

Zāinàn xiāngjì fāshēng, ràng rénmen gǎndào fēicháng zhènjīng.

Disasters occurred one after another, leaving people very shocked.