从古到今 (cóng gǔ dào jīn) — from ancient times to the present; throughout history

Definition

A set phrase meaning 'from ancient times to the present' — spans all of history as a single time frame, not a specific date range. Often used in writing to introduce a long-standing truth or pattern.

idiom
from ancient times to the presentthroughout history

Examples

  • 从古到今，。
    cóng gǔ dào jīn, Rén men dōu zài zhuī qiú xìng fú.
    From ancient times to the present, people have been pursuing happiness.
  • 从古到今，。
    cóng gǔ dào jīn, Zhè ge dì fāng jiù shì jiāo tōng yào dào.
    From ancient times to the present, this place has been a transportation hub.
  • 从古到今，。
    cóng gǔ dào jīn, Méi yǒu nǎ ge cháo dài néng yǒng yuǎn qiáng shèng.
    Throughout history, no dynasty has been able to remain strong forever.

Origin

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 從; 从 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
辵辵chuòwalk
Sound part声符shēngfú
从
从cóng從cóng
Same sound today

The traditional form 從 pairs 辵 (walk) with 从, which gives the sound; the character was originally written 从.

Open 从 →

An abstract idea shown by a mark or a diagram rather than by a picture of an object.

One reading of 古 sees a shield-like shape above an open mark, showing strength and firmness. Another sees a person spitting out bad-tasting food.

Open 古 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
至至zhìto arrive
Sound part声符shēngfú
刀
刀dāo到dào
Same sound today

到 combines 至, meaning 'to arrive', with 刀 as the sound part. The 至 part points to the idea of reaching a stopping point.

Open 到 →

An abstract idea shown by a mark or a diagram rather than by a picture of an object.

One explanation sees the shape as an upside-down mouth with a line below it, giving the idea of not speaking.

Open 今 →

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