素来 (sù lái) — always; usually (of a consistent tendency or habit)

Definition

Formal adverb meaning 'always / all along', emphasizing a long-standing, consistent tendency. Stronger and more literary than 一直, typically used in written or formal contexts.

adverb
alwaysusually (of a consistent tendency or habit)

Examples

  • 素来。
    Tā sù lái duì gōng zuò rèn zhēn fù zé.
    He has always been serious and responsible about his work.
  • 素来。
    Zhè jiā rén sù lái dài rén rè qíng.
    This family has always been warm toward others.
  • 素来。
    Tā sù lái bù xǐ huan zài gōng gòng chǎng hé shuō huà.
    She has never liked speaking in public.

Origin

Derived word
构词法gòucífǎ
后缀hòuzhuìSuffix

A fixed syllable at the end that turns the word into a noun, a person, a place or the like.

素sùusually
来lái

素 usually gives the sense, and 来 completes the form.

Characters in this word

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

The shape of 素 came from a picture of hands braiding thread.

Open 素 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 來; 来 is its simplified writing.

The traditional form 來 shows a wheat plant: a central ear, upward leaves, and downward stem and roots. The simplified 来 is a later shorthand.

Open 来 →

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