HSK 7-9
向来
xiànglái
Always; all along
Structure
Subject + 向来 + Verb / Adjective (often with 很/不)
How it works
The term '向来' is an adverb used to indicate that a situation or habit has consistently existed from the past up until the present. It is often used to describe long-standing personal habits, traits, or established policies.
Examples
他向来看重团队合作，而不是个人的功劳。
Tā xiànglái kànzhòng tuánduì hézuò, ér bùshì gèrén de gōngláo.
He has always valued teamwork rather than individual credit.
这家百年老店向来以诚信为本。
Zhè jiā bǎinián lǎodiàn xiànglái yǐ chéngxìn wéi běn.
This century-old shop has always been based on integrity.
我向来不喜欢在背后议论他人。
Wǒ xiànglái bù xǐhuān zài bèihòu yìlùn tārén.
I have never liked gossiping about others behind their backs.
Common mistakes
Do not confuse '向来' with '从来'. While both mean 'always', '从来' is more frequently used with negative constructions (从来不/从来没有) to mean 'never', whereas '向来' focuses more on a persistent habit or state.
Tip
Think of '向来' as 'always' in terms of 'it has always been this way'. It is slightly more formal than '一直' and is perfect for describing principles or personality traits.
More HSK 7-9 grammar
See 向来 in real Chinese
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