络绎不绝

You usually place it after the subject it describes. For example, 游客络绎不绝 means 'tourists are coming in an endless stream.' It functions like an adjective or an adverbial phrase. You don't need fancy grammar to make it work. Just identify the crowd and attach the phrase. It makes you sound very observant and articulate.

Use it when you are impressed by the scale of a crowd. It is perfect for describing a grand opening of a store. Use it when talking about a busy tourist spot like the Great Wall. It works great in professional reports to show high foot traffic. You can also use it when your phone is blowing up with messages. It adds a touch of poetic flair to a busy situation.

Do not use it for a static crowd. If people are just standing still in a square, use a different word. It requires movement. Also, do not use it for things that aren't 'countable' like water or wind. It is for discrete units like people, cars, or boats. Don't use it for a small group of three people. That is just a line, not an 'endless stream.'

This phrase dates back nearly 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty. It originally described the busy traffic of carriages and horses in the capital. The characters 络 and 绎 relate to the textile industry. They evoke the image of weaving silk. In Chinese culture, silk represents continuity and longevity. Using this phrase connects you to that ancient sense of bustling prosperity.

You might hear 川流不息 which means 'flowing like a river.' While similar, 川流不息 is better for cars and heavy traffic. 络绎不绝 feels a bit more focused on the individual units in the stream. If you want to be very formal, you can use 纷至沓来. But for daily life, 络绎不绝 is your best friend. It hits that sweet spot between being smart and being natural.