向来

• Pinyin: xiàng lái
• Hanzi breakdown: 向 = 宀 + 口 (roof + mouth — direction, facing); 来 = pictograph of a wheat plant coming toward you (to come)

Meaning

Always; all along; consistently and without exception throughout. Expressing a longstanding or habitual pattern.

Used to assert that a characteristic, habit, or state has always been true — not just recently. Creates an impression of consistency and reliability, or in negative sentences, of a persistent deficit. Slightly more formal than 一直 (always/continuously), and implies a habitual truth rather than an unbroken chain of events.

Examples

1. 她向来待人和善，无论遇到何种困境都从不轻易迁怒于他人，深受众人爱戴。 She has always treated people kindly; no matter what hardships she faces, she never takes her anger out on others, and she’s deeply loved by everyone.
2. 这家餐厅向来以食材新鲜和服务周到著称，在当地拥有极为稳固的良好口碑。 This restaurant has always been known for fresh ingredients and attentive service, and it has an extremely solid reputation locally.
3. 他向来不善于在公众场合发言，因此这次突如其来的即兴演讲让在场所有人大吃一惊。 He has never been good at speaking in public, so his sudden impromptu speech surprised everyone there.

Usage Guide

Context: character description, habits, formal writing

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他向来做事严谨认真，从不马虎应付，因此深受上司的信任与器重。(He has always been meticulous and conscientious in everything he does, never perfunctory, which is why he is deeply trusted and valued by his superiors.)
• 这所大学向来重视基础研究，每年在科研经费上的投入远超全国平均水平。(This university has always placed great emphasis on fundamental research, investing far above the national average in research funding each year.)

Don't Say

• 向来昨天很忙 — 向来 refers to a long-standing habitual pattern, not a specific occasion; use 昨天恰好 or 碰巧 for one-off situations

Origin & History

向 (towards/facing) + 来 (come/ever since) — from the direction of the past up to the present; has always been so

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal