常常 (chángcháng)vs往往 (wǎngwǎng)

Both mean "often", but one is general frequency and the other is a discovered pattern.

常常 (chángcháng)

Simple frequency. Can be used for past, present, or future.

往往 (wǎngwǎng)

A tendency or pattern under certain conditions. Cannot be used for the future.

Feature常常 (chángcháng)往往 (wǎngwǎng)
MeaningFrequentlyUsually / Tends to
Future Tense✅ Yes❌ No

translateCompare Examples

我明天常常去跑步。

Wǒ míngtiān chángcháng qù pǎobù.

I will often go running tomorrow.

Future frequency.

周末我往往在家。

Zhōumò wǒ wǎngwǎng zài jiā.

On weekends, I tend to be at home.

A discovered pattern under a condition.