Definition
从来 (cónglái) means 'always' in affirmative sentences (often with 都) and 'never' in negative sentences (with 没/不). It emphasizes a consistent state from the past up to now. This differs from 总是 (zǒng shì), which means 'always' in a general sense without that time-span emphasis, and from 从不 (cóng bù), which is a more direct way to say 'never' without the 'all along' nuance.
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 nàixīn.He has always been very patient.
- 从来。Wǒ cóng lái méi chī guò zhè zhǒng shuǐguǒ.I have never eaten this kind of fruit.
- 。Tā cóng lái bù chídào.She is never late.
Grammar
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