从来 (cónglái) is a versatile Chinese adverb that is commonly used to talk about habits, states, or actions over time. In negative sentences, it usually emphasizes that something has never happened or someone has never done something. In positive sentences, however, it shifts meaning to express that something has always been the case or someone has always done something, often highlighting consistency or a long-standing habit.
Negative usage (never):
从来 + 不/没 + Verb
Positive usage (always):
从来 + 都 + Predicate (Verb or Adjective)
Literally, 从来 means “from the beginning,” but in modern usage, it focuses on habits or states over time.
Sample Sentences
我从来不吃辣。I never eat spicy food.
她从来没看过这部电影。She has never watched this movie.
我从来都是自己解决问题。I have always solved problems on my own.
In a Text
我从来不喝咖啡，因为我不喜欢苦味。每天早上，我从来都喝一杯热牛奶。我的朋友小李从来没去过中国，他总是说有一天一定要去看看。我从来都相信努力工作会有回报，所以我每天都认真学习和工作。虽然有时候很累，但我从来都不抱怨。
I never drink coffee because I don’t like the bitter taste. Every morning, I always drink a cup of hot milk. My friend Xiao Li has never been to China; he always says that one day he must go and see it. I have always believed that hard work pays off, so I study and work diligently every day. Although it’s sometimes tiring, I never complain.
