从不

• Pinyin: cóng bù
• Hanzi breakdown: 从 = 人 (person) × 2, from/follow; 不 = pictograph of a bird flying up, negation

Meaning

Never; not ever. Emphasizes that something has never happened or is never done.

A strong adverb indicating that an action never occurs. Often used to describe habits, principles, or absolutes. Can express both factual statements and emphatic denials. Slightly more emphatic than 从来不, which it often abbreviates.

Examples

1. 他从不迟到，每次都是第一个到办公室的人。 He is never late — he's always the first one to arrive at the office.
2. 这位老人从不抱怨，总是笑呵呵的。 This elderly person never complains and is always smiling.
3. 她对工作的事从不带回家里。 She never brings work matters home.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, description, emphasis

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 我从不喝酒。(I never drink alcohol.)
• 她从不轻易放弃。(She never gives up easily.)

Don't Say

• '从不'后面接动词，不接名词；要说'从不吃肉'而不是'从不肉' (从不 must be followed by a verb, not a noun — say 从不吃肉, not 从不肉)

Origin & History

Combines 从 (from) with 不 (not), functioning as a contraction of 从来不 (from always not = never).

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal