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从来

HSK 5
  • Time

Structure (结构 jiégòu)

Subject从来(不/没)Verb/Adjective

Meaning (意思 yìsi)

Adverb 从来 indicates that something has always been a certain way from the past until now; it commonly appears with a negative to mean 'never'.

Explanation (解释 jiěshì)

从来 (cónglái) means "from past until now," emphasizing a state or habit that has always existed without change. It is most commonly used in negative sentences:

  • 从来不 + verb: expresses a habit one has never done. For example: "I never drink alcohol."
  • 从来没(有) + verb + 过: expresses an experience one has never had. For example: "I have never been to China."

In affirmative sentences, 从来 is rare and typically carries a formal tone.

Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)

  1. 他从来不喝酒。
    繁: 他從來不喝酒。Tā cónglái bù hējiǔ.

    He never drinks alcohol.

  2. 我上课从来不迟到。
    繁: 我上課從來不遲到。Wǒ shàngkè cónglái bù chídào.

    I never arrive late to class.

  3. 我从来没去过中国。
    繁: 我從來沒去過中國。Wǒ cónglái méi qùguo Zhōngguó.

    I have never been to China.

  4. 她从来没见过这么多人。
    繁: 她從來沒見過這麼多人。Tā cónglái méi jiànguo zhème duō rén.

    She has never seen so many people before.

  5. 他从来没对我说过谎。
    繁: 他從來沒對我說過謊。Tā cónglái méi duì wǒ shuōguo huǎng.

    He has never lied to me.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong:我从来去过北京。
    Correct:我从来没去过北京。

    从来 must be accompanied by the negative adverb 不 or 没. To express "have never," use 从来没...过.

  • Wrong:他从来不吃过辣的。
    Correct:他从来没吃过辣的。

    从来没...过 is used to negate an experience in the past. 从来不 is used to negate a habit in the present.