一向

yī xiàng

HSK 2.0 Level 6 HSK 3.0 Level 6 Adverb Common

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Definitions

1. always (previously)
2. a period of time in the recent past

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Word relationships

Antonyms

1 item

• 偶尔 ǒu ěr 偶尔 ǒu ěr occasionally 一向强调一贯性，偶尔表示不经常: occasionally

Related words

1 item

• 总是 zǒng shì 总是 zǒng shì always 总是也表示经常性，但强调每次如此，不强调从过去开始的持续状态: always

Synonyms

2 items

• 一直 yī zhí 一直 yī zhí straight (in a straight line) 一向表示某种情况或状态从过去到现在一直如此；一直也可用于强调动作持续不断，但一向侧重长期一贯性: straight (in a straight line)
• 向来 xiàng lái 向来 xiàng lái always (previously) 一向和向来都表示从过去到现在一直如此，常可互换: always (previously)

Usage notes

Collocations

“一向”后面多跟动词或形容词，表示长期一致的状态，如“一向如此”“一向认真”。它不能用来描述具体的一次性动作。

Common mistakes

在否定句中，“一向”通常用于“一向不/没”表示一贯不这样，但不能用“不一向”。错误：“他不一向迟到。”正确：“他一向不迟到。”

Grammar

Guides that feature 一向

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1 guide

HSK 2.0 Level 6+ HSK 3.0 Level 6+ 6 min

Time Adverbs 仍旧, 依旧 and 一向

Use 仍旧 and 依旧 to say something is still the same despite change, and 一向 to say something has always been true.

Reading: yī xiàng Open guide

Example Sentences

2 shown

他 一向 认真，从不出错。

He has always been conscientious and never makes mistakes.

他做事 一向 很稳重。

He always does things in a very steady and prudent manner.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Words Containing 一向

• 前一向 前一向 qián yī xiàng: lately

Child Words of 一向

• 一 一 yī: one
• 向 向 xiàng: towards