从来 (cóng lái) — always, all along (in affirmative sentences, often with 都); never (in negative sentences with 没 or 不)
Definition
From 来 meaning 'from the past until now', so 从来 emphasizes 'all along / never' from the start of time up to now. Pairs with 都 in affirmatives; with 没/不 in negatives. 总是 means 'always' as a habit; 从未/从不 are stronger, more formal 'never'.
adverb
alwaysall along (in affirmative sentences, often with 都)never (in negative sentences with 没 or 不)
Examples
- 从来。Tā cóng lái dōu hěn yǒu nài xīn.He has always been very patient.
- 从来。Wǒ cóng lái méi chī guò zhè zhǒng shuǐ guǒ.I have never eaten this kind of fruit.
- 。Tā cóng lái bù chí dào.She is never late.
Grammar
Appears in
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