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Expressing "always previously" with 向来 ("xiang4lai2")

向来 xiànglái

Adverb
HSK 5

Structure

Subject + 向来（都） + Verb/Verb Phrase

Definition

向来表示从过去到现在一直如此，含有“一向、从来”的意思。

向来 indicates that something has always been the case from past to present, meaning 'always, all along'.

Usage

向来用于强调某人的一贯行为或事物的恒定状态，常放在动词或形容词前作状语。

向来 is used to emphasize someone's consistent behavior or the constant state of something, often placed before verbs or adjectives as an adverbial.

Examples

  • 1 他向来很守时。 (He has always been very punctual.)
  • 2 这向来是她的风格。 (This has always been her style.)
  • 3 我向来不喜欢吃辣。 (I have never liked spicy food.)
  • 4 他们向来互相尊重。 (They have always respected each other.)
  • 5 这个地区向来治安良好。 (This area has always been safe in terms of public security.)

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