How to express “always previously” with 向来 (xiànglái)
Subj. + 向来 (xiànglái) + Verb / Adj.
向来 (xiàng lái) — always previously
Subj. + 向来 (xiànglái) + Verb / Adj.
HSK 6Adverbs向来 (xiàng lái) — always previously
Rule structure
向来 (xiànglái) is similar to 一向 (yíxiàng) but slightly more formal. It means "always, all along (from the past to now)". Emphasizes consistent habit.
Rule structure
向来 (xiànglái) is similar to 一向 (yíxiàng) but slightly more formal. It means "always, all along (from the past to now)". Emphasizes consistent habit.
Examples
他向来守时。
Tā xiànglái shǒushí.
He has always been punctual.
Examples
他向来守时。
Tā xiànglái shǒushí.
He has always been punctual.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you say “always previously” in Chinese with 向来?
Use the structure: Subj. + 向来 (xiànglái) + Verb / Adj.. For example: 他向来守时。 — “He has always been punctual.”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
他向来守时。 — “He has always been punctual.”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 6.
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More HSK 6 grammar rules
无非 — nothing but
无非 (wúfēi) + Noun / Clause (dismissive)
凡是 — all, every
凡是 (fánshì) + Noun Phrase, 都 (dōu) + Verb
恢复 vs 还原 — restore vs return to original
恢复 (huīfù): restore (state, function) / 还原 (huányuán): restore to original state
居然 vs 反而 — unexpected vs on the contrary
居然 (jūrán): unexpectedly (surprise) / 反而 (fǎn'ér): on the contrary
再…也 — no matter how
再 (zài) + Adj., 也 (yě) + Result
何必 — why bother
何必 (hébì) + Verb Phrase (rhetorical, unnecessary)
不断 vs 不停 — continuous vs nonstop
不断 (bùduàn) + Verb (continuous, unceasing) / 不停 (bùtíng) + Verb (incessant, nonstop)
按照 vs 根据 — according to vs based on
按照 (ànzhào) + Rule / Standard (follow) / 根据 (gēnjù) + Basis / Source (based on)