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历来

lì lái
HSK 2.0 Level 6 HSK 3.0 Level 7 Adverb Rare

Definitions

  1. 1. always
  2. 2. throughout (a period of time)
  3. 3. (of) all-time

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Usage notes

Collocations

Often used with 都 (e.g., 历来都) to emphasize that something has always been a certain way. It pairs with verbs or adjectives indicating a long-standing state, not momentary actions.

Formality

历来 is formal and mostly used in written language, especially in historical or official contexts. In everyday speech, 从来 or 一直 are more common.

Example Sentences

1 shown
我们 历来 都重视教育。
We have always attached importance to education.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.