向来
always; all along (has been so)
Structure
主语 ＋ 向来 ＋ 动词短语／形容词
What it means
Always, all along: something has been true from the past up to now, a settled habit, view or position.
How it is built
Subject + 向来 + verb phrase / adjective: 他向来说话算话 (He has always kept his word). Negatives work too: 这家店向来不打折.
When to use it
A little more formal than 一向 (3-14), less weighty than 历来 (5-16), which reaches back through history. Common in statements: 中方向来主张…. Unlike 从来, which is mostly used with a negative, it takes positive and negative verbs alike.
Watch out
It describes a lasting state, not one event: ✗他向来去过北京。 ✓他向来喜欢旅行。
Examples
中方向来主张通过对话协商化解争端。
China has always held that disputes should be settled through dialogue and consultation.
他向来说话算话，答应你的事一定会做到。
He has always kept his word: if he promised you something, he will do it.
这家店向来不打折，今天居然打了八折。
This shop never gives discounts, yet today it actually knocked 20 per cent off.
Learn this in Lesson 126 · HSK 7–9: 北京握手 (International news: the handshake in Beijing)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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