(cóng lái) - always, ever, from the beginning (used with negatives) in Mandarin
cóngláiTraditional: 從來
Translation
always, ever, from the beginning (used with negatives)
Word origin
The word 从来 combines 从 'from, since' with 来 'to come', literally 'from the start coming up to now', used with negatives to mean 'never'. 来 was originally a pictograph of a grain plant later borrowed for 'to come'.
- Origin
- compound
- Root
- 从 (cóng, from) + 来 (lái, to come)
Stroke order
从
来
Examples
。
I have never been to China.
。
He never lies.
，？
Is something right just because it has always been this way?
。
He is never late.
。
I have never heard this song before.
从来 (cóng lái) - always, ever, from the beginning (used with negatives).
Where this fits
Used in
Stories
(5)Grammar articles
(1)Add to review queue
Track this word in your spaced-repetition queue and be tested on it at the right interval.
Go to my review queueMandarin · Free printables
从来: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the Mandarin word "从来" (always, ever, from the beginning (used with negatives)): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
Free for members
The printable worksheets, infographics and PDFs are free with an account. Start a free week and download as many as you like.
Start your free weekThis word is part of lesson 10.