向来
How to Understand
向来 means 'always' or 'in the past' and is used to indicate a consistent pattern or behavior over time. It emphasizes that something has been true or has happened repeatedly, often in contrast to a current change.
The character 向 (xiàng) originally meant 'toward' or 'in the direction of,' and it can also mean 'to face' or 'to look.' The character 来 (lái) means 'to come' or 'to arrive.' Together, 向来 suggests a direction or trend from the past to the present, implying continuity or habit.
向来 is commonly used in formal and informal contexts to describe long-standing habits, tendencies, or characteristics. For example, it might be used to say someone has always been punctual or that a certain tradition has existed for years. It's also found in proverbs and idiomatic expressions that emphasize consistency over time.