cónglái bù: 从来不 - Never

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• Summary: Learn how to use “cónglái bù” (从来不), the most common way to say “never” in Mandarin Chinese. This page breaks down its meaning, grammar, and cultural context. Discover the crucial difference between “cónglái bù” (for habits) and “cónglái méi” (for experiences), and master its use with dozens of practical example sentences perfect for HSK 3 level learners and beyond.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): cónglái bù
• Part of Speech: Adverbial Phrase
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: It means “never,” referring to a habitual action or state that has not occurred at any point from the past up to the present.
• In a Nutshell: “Cónglái bù” is your go-to phrase for expressing “never” when talking about habits, routines, or personal rules. Think of it as meaning “from the past until now, this is something I just don't do.” It's a strong, factual statement about a consistent lack of action over time. If you don't eat meat, don't drink coffee, or don't watch horror movies as a rule, “cónglái bù” is the perfect phrase.

• 从 (cóng): This character means “from” or “to follow.” Here, it signifies a starting point in the past.
• 来 (lái): This character means “to come” or “to arrive.” In this phrase, it represents the progression of time from that past point “coming” all the way to the present moment.
• 不 (bù): This is the classic character for “no” or “not.”

When you combine them, 从来 (cónglái) literally means “from the coming,” which idiomatically translates to “from the past until now,” “always,” or “at all times.” Adding 不 (bù) negates this, creating the meaning: “from the past until now, not” — or simply, never.

While “never” exists in English, cónglái bù has a slightly more grounded and less hyperbolic feel. In Western culture, it's common to use “never” for dramatic effect about the future (“I'm never speaking to him again!”). Cónglái bù, however, is almost exclusively used to describe a consistent reality from the past up to the present. It's a statement of established fact, not an emotional vow about the future. For example, saying 我从来不喝酒 (Wǒ cónglái bù hējiǔ) — “I never drink alcohol” — is perceived as a simple statement of a personal rule or habit. It's less about a moral judgment and more about stating a personal truth. This reflects a communication style that can be very direct and fact-based when describing one's own behaviors and principles. It's not about being dramatic; it's about being clear.

This phrase is extremely common in everyday conversation, from casual chats to more formal discussions.

• Stating Habits and Preferences: This is the most common usage. It's used to describe things you consistently do not do.
  • e.g., “I never eat breakfast.” (我从来不吃早饭。)
  • e.g., “She never watches TV.” (她从来不看电视。)
• Expressing Personal Principles: It's used to state a firm personal rule you live by.
  • e.g., “He never tells lies.” (他从来不撒谎。)
  • e.g., “We never borrow money from friends.” (我们从来不跟朋友借钱。)
• Formality: The phrase is neutral and can be used in almost any situation, whether you're talking to a friend, a teacher, or a boss. It is a standard part of the language.

• Example 1:
  • 他上班从来不迟到。
  • Pinyin: Tā shàngbān cónglái bù chídào.
  • English: He is never late for work.
  • Analysis: This describes a consistent habit. It's not just that he wasn't late today; it's that being on time is his established pattern of behavior.
• Example 2:
  • 我从来不喝咖啡，我只喝茶。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ cónglái bù hē kāfēi, wǒ zhǐ hē chá.
  • English: I never drink coffee; I only drink tea.
  • Analysis: A perfect example of stating a personal preference or habit. The speaker is establishing a personal rule.
• Example 3:
  • 很多北方人从来不吃辣。
  • Pinyin: Hěnduō běifāng rén cónglái bù chī là.
  • English: Many northern Chinese people never eat spicy food.
  • Analysis: This example shows how `cónglái bù` can be used to describe the habits of a group of people, not just an individual.
• Example 4:
  • 你为什么从来不给我打电话？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ wèishéme cónglái bù gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà?
  • English: Why do you never call me?
  • Analysis: Here it's used in a question, often with a slightly accusatory or complaining tone, questioning someone's consistent lack of action.
• Example 5:
  • 我的爷爷从来不用智能手机。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ de yéye cónglái bù yòng zhìnéng shǒujī.
  • English: My grandpa never uses a smartphone.
  • Analysis: This describes a state of being or a habit based on ability or choice. It's a fact about his routine.
• Example 6:
  • 尽管工作很忙，她从来不抱怨。
  • Pinyin: Jǐnguǎn gōngzuò hěn máng, tā cónglái bù bàoyuàn.
  • English: Even though work is very busy, she never complains.
  • Analysis: This sentence highlights a person's character or disposition. Complaining is not part of her habitual response to stress.
• Example 7:
  • 这个负责任的医生从来不对病人发脾气。
  • Pinyin: Zhège fùzérèn de yīshēng cónglái bù duì bìngrén fā píqì.
  • English: This responsible doctor never loses his temper with patients.
  • Analysis: This describes a professional principle or behavior. It's a core part of how this person performs their job.
• Example 8:
  • 我从来不相信网上的谣言。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ cónglái bù xiāngxìn wǎngshàng de yáoyán.
  • English: I never believe rumors on the internet.
  • Analysis: This expresses a principle or a mental habit. It's about a consistent lack of belief.
• Example 9:
  • 他是一个很节俭的人，从来不乱花钱。
  • Pinyin: Tā shì yí ge hěn jiéjiǎn de rén, cónglái bù luàn huāqián.
  • English: He is a very frugal person; he never spends money recklessly.
  • Analysis: This connects a character trait (节俭 - frugal) with the corresponding habitual action (or lack thereof).
• Example 10:
  • 真正的朋友从来不在你背后说你坏话。
  • Pinyin: Zhēnzhèng de péngyou cónglái bù zài nǐ bèihòu shuō nǐ huàihuà.
  • English: A true friend never speaks ill of you behind your back.
  • Analysis: This sentence uses `cónglái bù` to define a concept (true friendship) by stating a rule that it must follow.

The biggest point of confusion for learners is the difference between `从来不 (cónglái bù)` and `从来没 (cónglái méi)`. They both translate to “never,” but are not interchangeable.

• `从来不 (cónglái bù)` + Verb: Used for habits or routines. It means “never do something” as a rule. It focuses on the general, repeated nature of an action.
  • Correct: 我从来不抽烟。(Wǒ cónglái bù chōuyān.) - I don't smoke (as a habit).
  • Correct: 他从来不吃肉。(Tā cónglái bù chī ròu.) - He doesn't eat meat (he's a vegetarian).
• `从来没 (cónglái méi)` + Verb + `过 (guò)`: Used for past experiences. It means “have never done something” in your entire life up to this point. The `过 (guò)` particle, indicating past experience, is almost always used here.
  • Correct: 我从来没去过中国。(Wǒ cónglái méi qùguò Zhōngguó.) - I have never been to China.
  • Correct: 他从来没喝过酒。(Tā cónglái méi hēguò jiǔ.) - He has never (ever) drunk alcohol.

Common Mistake: Using `不` for a one-time past experience.

• Incorrect: `我从来不去过中国。` (Wǒ cónglái bù qùguò Zhōngguó.)
• Why it's wrong: The particle `过 (guò)` specifically marks a past experience, which requires the negative adverb `没 (méi)`, not `不 (bù)`. Think of `不` for habits (“don't”) and `没` for past events (“didn't” or “haven't”).

Mistake with Future Tense: `从来不` cannot be used to talk about the future. It only refers to the past up to the present.

• Incorrect: `我明天从来不迟到。`
• To say “I will never…“, you need a different structure, like `永远不 (yǒngyuǎn bù)` or `再也不 (zài yě bù)`.
• Correct (Future): 我永远不会忘记你。(Wǒ yǒngyuǎn bù huì wàngjì nǐ.) - I will never forget you.

• 从来没 (cónglái méi) - The counterpart to `cónglái bù`. Used to say you have “never” had a specific experience. (e.g., “I've never seen that movie.”)
• 从不 (cóng bù) - A slightly more concise and sometimes more formal or written version of `从来不`. The meaning is identical.
• 决不 (jué bù) - Means “absolutely not” or “will never.” It expresses strong resolve and determination about a future action, often in a formal or serious context.
• 永远 (yǒngyuǎn) - Means “forever” or “eternally.” Used with `不` to mean “will never” in the future (`永远不`), or on its own to mean “forever” (`我永远爱你`).
• 再也不 (zài yě bù…le) - A common structure meaning “never again.” Used after a bad experience to vow not to repeat an action. (e.g., `我再也不吃这个了!` - I'm never eating this again!)
• 总是 (zǒngshì) - An antonym. It means “always” and refers to actions that happen habitually. (e.g., `他总是迟到` - He is always late.)
• 一直 (yìzhí) - A near-antonym. It means “continuously” or “all along.” It emphasizes an uninterrupted state or action over a period of time.