HSK 4
从来不 V
cóngláibù V
never V
Structure
Subject + 从来 + 不 + Verb / Verb Phrase
How it works
The structure '从来不' is used to indicate that an action or habit has never occurred in the past and does not occur in the present. It emphasizes a consistent habit or a personal principle of not doing something.
Examples
他从来不迟到。
Tā cónglái bù chídào.
He is never late.
为了健康，我从来不喝碳酸饮料。
Wèile jiànkāng, wǒ cónglái bù hē tànsuān yǐnliào.
For my health, I never drink carbonated drinks.
我不认识他，我们从来不说话。
Wǒ bù rènshi tā, wǒmen cónglái bù shuōhuà.
I don't know him; we never speak.
Common mistakes
Using '从来不' to describe a one-time event in the past; for things that haven't happened yet but might, use '从来没' instead.
Tip
Think of '从来不' as a 'habitual never' (present/general) and '从来没' as an 'experiential never' (past/hasn't happened yet).
More HSK 4 grammar
See 从来不 V in real Chinese
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