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How to say “never” in Chinese with 从来 (cónglái)

从来 (cónglái) + 都 (dōu)/也 (yě) + 不 (bù)/没 (méi) + Verb / Adj.

Expressing "never / ever in negative contexts" with "从来 (cónglái)"

HSK 4Adverbs

Rule structure

从来 (cónglái) means "always" or "all along". It is most commonly used with negatives (从来不 (cónglái bù) / 从来没 (cónglái méi)). With positives it needs 都 (dōu) (从来都 (cónglái dōu)).

Examples

他从来不迟到。

Tā cónglái bù chídào.

He never comes late.

Practice

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Frequently asked questions

How do you express “Expressing "never / ever in negative contexts" with "从来 (cónglái)"” in Chinese?

Use the structure: 从来 (cónglái) + 都 (dōu)/也 (yě) + 不 (bù)/没 (méi) + Verb / Adj.. For example: 他从来不迟到。 — “He never comes late.”.

What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?

他从来不迟到。 — “He never comes late.”.

Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?

This grammar rule is part of HSK 4.

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More HSK 4 grammar rules

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究竟 (jiūjìng) + Question word / Question

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恐怕 (kǒngpà) + Clause

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