Meanings of 向来
By ear
Play it, then pick what 向来 means.
About 向来
Podcast: 向来
Podcast: 向来
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 向来
历来 (lìlái) - use 向来 for ongoing states or actions, while 历来 emphasizes historical consistency without the implication of current relevance.
Learners often confuse 向来 with 以前 (yǐqián), which means 'before' but lacks the nuance of continuity. It's typically used in informal conversations, but can be used in writing as well. Be cautious with tone pronunciation; 向 (xiàng) is fourth tone and 来 (lái) is second tone.
As an HSK Level 6 word, 向来 builds on the concept of habitual actions, which is essential for expressing complex ideas in communication. Students should focus on using it in contexts that describe past behaviors or characteristics.
Learners sometimes mistakenly use 向来 with future tense, such as '我向来会去' (Wǒ xiànglái huì qù), which is incorrect. The correct phrase should indicate past or habitual actions, like '我向来去' (Wǒ xiànglái qù) meaning 'I always go (there).'
Pronunciation of 向来
Drill the tone of 向来 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 向来 to You
Let me explain 向来 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 向来 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 向来?
Learning Lab
Knowing 向来 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component Characters
How to say always (previously) in Chinese
“always (previously)” in Chinese is向来
向来 (xiànglái) means 'always' or 'all along' and refers to a consistent state or action that has been true in the past and continues to be so. It is often used to express past habits or tendencies that are still relevant, implying a sense of continuity over time.
When to use 向来
Learners often confuse 向来 with 以前 (yǐqián), which means 'before' but lacks the nuance of continuity. It's typically used in informal conversations, but can be used in writing as well. Be cautious with tone pronunciation; 向 (xiàng) is fourth tone and 来 (lái) is second tone.
向来 or something close to it
历来 (lìlái) - use 向来 for ongoing states or actions, while 历来 emphasizes historical consistency without the implication of current relevance.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes mistakenly use 向来 with future tense, such as '我向来会去' (Wǒ xiànglái huì qù), which is incorrect. The correct phrase should indicate past or habitual actions, like '我向来去' (Wǒ xiànglái qù) meaning 'I always go (there).'
Write 向来
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 向来 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 向来
向来 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他这个人____吃软不吃硬，你不能硬来。
This person has always responded to gentleness, not force — you cannot be heavy-handed with him.
Example Sentences for 向来 (9)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 向来?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 向来
You can say, '他向来很努力' (Tā xiànglái hěn nǔlì), meaning 'He has always been hardworking.'
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 向来?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.