一向 和 一直
always, as a habit (一向) vs. continuously, without a break (一直)
Structure
主语 一向 习惯／态度 ； 主语 一直 动作／状态（＋时段）
What it means
一向 sums up a habit, attitude or character that has held from the past up to now. 一直 says an action or state goes on without a break over a stretch of time; it also means “straight on”.
How it is built
Subject + 一向 + habit/attitude: 他一向准时 (he has always been punctual). Subject + 一直 + verb (+ span): 雨一直下了三天 (it rained non-stop for three days).
When to use it
一向 looks back and takes no time span; it suits character and habits (一向反对浪费). 一直 works for short, named or future spans (我会一直等你) and for directions: 一直往前走 (go straight on).
Watch out
✗ 我会一向等你。 ✓ 我会一直等你。 ✗ 雨一向下了三天。 ✓ 雨一直下了三天。 一向 never looks ahead and never takes a time span.
Examples
台盘村的村民一向爱打篮球。
The people of Taipan have always loved basketball.
两队旗鼓相当，比分一直咬得很紧。
The two sides were evenly matched, and the score stayed close the whole way.
别担心，我会一直等你。
Don’t worry, I will wait for you as long as it takes.
Learn this in Lesson 64 · HSK 6: 村超与体育经济 (Village leagues and the business of sport)
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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