从来(cónglái)
From the Past Till Now (Never/Always)
Structure Pattern
Explanation
从来 (cónglái) means "from the past until now." It is almost always used in the negative to mean "never."
1. 从来不 (cónglái bù) - Never (Habit)
Use 不 for habits, choices, or general truths. "I never (choose to) do this."
2. 从来没 (cónglái méi) - Never (Experience)
Use 没(有) + Verb + 过 for experiences. "I have never done this (before)."
Example Sentences
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Tā cónglái bù hējiǔ.
He never drinks alcohol. (Habit)
Wǒ cónglái méi qù guò Zhōngguó.
I have never been to China. (Experience)
Tā cónglái bù chídào.
She is never late.
Zhè zhǒng cài wǒ cónglái méi chī guò.
I have never eaten this kind of dish.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
我从来不吃过北京烤鸭。
Correct Usage
我从来没吃过北京烤鸭。
Since eating Peking duck is an experience, you must use 没...过. You cannot use 不 with 过.
Master 从来
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