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Expressing "always" with 从来 ("cong2lai2")

从来 cónglái

Adverb
HSK 3

Structure

Subj. + 从来 + 都 (是) + Predicate

Translations

  • always

Definition

“从来”表示从过去到现在一直如此，多用于否定句（如“从来不”“从未”），但也可用于肯定句（如“从来都是”），强调一贯性。

“从来” means 'always' or 'from the past to the present', often used in negative sentences (e.g., '从来不' 'never'), but can also be used in affirmative sentences (e.g., '从来都是' 'have always been'), emphasizing consistency.

Usage

通常与否定词连用，如‘从来不’‘从未’，表示一贯不做什么；用于肯定句时，常与‘都’‘就’等副词搭配，如‘从来都是’‘从来就’，表示一直如此。

It is often used with a negative word, such as '从来不' or '从未', to mean 'never' (always not doing something). When used in affirmative sentences, it is often paired with adverbs like '都' or '就', such as '从来都是' or '从来就', to mean 'have always been'.

Examples

  • 1 我从来不说谎。 (I never lie.)
  • 2 他从来不迟到。 (He is never late.)
  • 3 她从来都是那么善良。 (She has always been so kind.)
  • 4 这个问题我从来没有想过。 (I have never thought about this problem.)
  • 5 他们从来不吃辣。 (They never eat spicy food.)
  • 6 我从来都是按时完成作业。 (I have always finished homework on time.)

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