Meaning
从来不 is an emphatic adverb meaning 'never' or 'have never,' expressing that something has not happened at any time from the past up to now. It strongly emphasizes the complete absence of an action or state throughout one's entire experience or a long period of time.
Usage
从来不 is placed before the main verb and is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese. It carries a stronger, more absolute tone than simply using 不. Often used when emphasizing personal habits, experiences, or character traits that have remained consistent over time. Can be shortened to 从不 in casual speech.
Examples
- 01他从来不迟到。.He is never late.
- 02我从来不吃辣的东西。.I never eat spicy food.
Characters
Common collocations
- 从来不会would never, is never able to
- 从来不曾have never once
- 从来不敢never dare to
Antonyms
Origin
Literally means 'from come not,' expressing the idea of 'from the time of coming (to now), not.' The phrase combines 从来 (since the past, all along) with the negation 不 to create an emphatic never.