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Expressing "never" with 从来 ("cong2lai2")

从来 cónglái

Verb
HSK 2

Structure

Subj. + 从来 + 不 + [Verb Phrase] Subj. + 从来 + 没(有) + Verb + 过

Translations

  • Never

Definition

“从来”表示从过去到现在一直如此，通常用于否定句中，强调从未发生过或从未做过某事。

"从来" indicates that something has always been the case from the past to the present, typically used in negative sentences to emphasize that something has never happened or has never been done.

Usage

“从来”常与“没有”或“不”搭配使用，构成“从来没有”或“从来不”结构，强调从过去到现在的持续否定状态。注意：一般不用于肯定句。

"从来" is often used together with "没有" or "不" to form "从来没有" or "从来不", emphasizing a continuous negative state from past to present. Note: it is generally not used in affirmative sentences.

Examples

  • 1 我从来没有去过北京。 (I have never been to Beijing.)
  • 2 他从来不抽烟。 (He never smokes.)
  • 3 她从来不会迟到。 (She is never late.)
  • 4 我们从来不吃海鲜。 (We never eat seafood.)
  • 5 这件事我从来没听说过。 (I have never heard of this matter.)

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