cóng bù: 从不 - Never

• Keywords: cóng bù, 从不, never in Chinese, how to say never, Chinese adverbs, Chinese negation, Chinese grammar, cónglái bù, 从来不, expressing habits in Chinese.
• Summary: Learn how to say “never” in Chinese with 从不 (cóng bù). This essential adverb is used to state that something is a consistent rule, habit, or fact that has held true from the past until the present. This guide will break down its meaning, cultural nuances, and practical usage with dozens of examples, helping you master this fundamental concept of Chinese negation and distinguish it from similar terms like 从来不 (cónglái bù).

• Pinyin (with tone marks): cóng bù
• Part of Speech: Adverb
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: “Never” (referring to a habit, rule, or consistent state).
• In a Nutshell: 从不 (cóng bù) is your go-to word for expressing that an action is consistently not performed. Think of it as describing a personal rule, a deep-seated habit, or a permanent characteristic. If you want to say “I'm the type of person who never does X,” or “This place is a place where Y never happens,” 从不 (cóng bù) is the perfect tool. It establishes an unbroken pattern of non-action from the past up to now.

• 从 (cóng): This character originally pictured two people following one another. Its core meaning is “to follow,” which extended to mean “from” a certain point in time or space. Here, it means “from” (the past).
• 不 (bù): This is the most common character for negation in Chinese. It simply means “not” or “no.”

When combined, 从 (from) + 不 (not) literally translates to “from the past, not,” which logically forms the meaning of “never” in the sense of a continuous, unbroken state of non-action up to the present moment.

While “never” is a direct concept, its use in Chinese can carry a strong sense of principle and personal character. Using 从不 (cóng bù) is often more than just stating a fact; it's about defining a boundary or declaring a personal code of conduct. For example, saying “我从不说谎” (Wǒ cóng bù shuōhuǎng - I never lie) is a powerful statement of integrity. In Western culture, such an absolute claim might be met with skepticism (“Nobody's perfect!”). In a Chinese context, while still a strong claim, it's more readily accepted as a statement of one's core principles or aspirations. It reflects the Confucian value of cultivating personal virtue (修身, xiūshēn). Similarly, stating a preference like “我从不吃早饭” (Wǒ cóng bù chī zǎofàn - I never eat breakfast) isn't just a dietary choice; it's presented as a fixed, unchanging part of one's lifestyle. The use of 从不 frames the habit as a defining, non-negotiable characteristic.

从不 (cóng bù) is a high-frequency adverb used in all registers of speech, from casual conversation to formal writing. It always comes before the verb it negates.

• Stating Habits: This is the most common usage. It's perfect for talking about your daily routines, likes, and dislikes.
  • e.g., “他从不喝咖啡。” (Tā cóng bù hē kāfēi.) - “He never drinks coffee.”
• Expressing Principles: Used to make strong statements about one's morals or rules.
  • e.g., “我们公司从不欺骗客户。” (Wǒmen gōngsī cóng bù qīpiàn kèhù.) - “Our company never deceives customers.”
• Describing Facts: Used for objective, unchanging truths about a person, place, or thing.
  • e.g., “这个岛上从不下雪。” (Zhège dǎo shàng cóng bù xiàxuě.) - “It never snows on this island.”

The connotation is generally neutral, but it takes on the flavor of the sentence. It can be positive when describing a virtue (e.g., never giving up) or negative when used in a complaint (e.g., “You never listen!”).

• Example 1:
  • 他很健康，因为他从不抽烟。
  • Pinyin: Tā hěn jiànkāng, yīnwèi tā cóng bù chōuyān.
  • English: He is very healthy because he never smokes.
  • Analysis: A classic example of using 从不 to describe a consistent, health-related habit.
• Example 2:
  • 我妈妈从不让我一个人晚上出门。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ māmā cóng bù ràng wǒ yīgè rén wǎnshàng chūmén.
  • English: My mom never lets me go out alone at night.
  • Analysis: Here, 从不 describes a strict rule imposed by someone else.
• Example 3:
  • 她是个很守时的人，上班从不迟到。
  • Pinyin: Tā shì ge hěn shǒushí de rén, shàngbān cóng bù chídào.
  • English: She is a very punctual person; she is never late for work.
  • Analysis: This sentence uses 从不 to define a positive personal trait.
• Example 4:
  • 你为什么从不给我打电话？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ wèishéme cóng bù gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà?
  • English: Why do you never call me?
  • Analysis: In a question, 从不 often carries a slightly accusatory or complaining tone.
• Example 5:
  • 一个真正的朋友从不在背后说你坏话。
  • Pinyin: Yīge zhēnzhèng de péngyǒu cóng bù zài bèihòu shuō nǐ huàihuà.
  • English: A true friend never speaks ill of you behind your back.
  • Analysis: This sentence uses 从不 to define the principle of true friendship.
• Example 6:
  • 这家餐厅的服务很好，服务员从不向顾客要小费。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiā cāntīng de fúwù hěn hǎo, fúwùyuán cóng bù xiàng gùkè yào xiǎofèi.
  • English: The service at this restaurant is very good; the waiters never ask customers for tips.
  • Analysis: This describes a professional policy or a cultural norm.
• Example 7:
  • 他从不关心别人怎么想他。
  • Pinyin: Tā cóng bù guānxīn biérén zěnme xiǎng tā.
  • English: He never cares what other people think of him.
  • Analysis: This illustrates how 从不 can describe a personality trait, which could be seen as either positive (independent) or negative (indifferent).
• Example 8:
  • 机会从不等待犹豫不决的人。
  • Pinyin: Jīhuì cóng bù děngdài yóuyù bùjué de rén.
  • English: Opportunity never waits for those who hesitate.
  • Analysis: A proverbial saying where 从不 expresses a universal truth.
• Example 9:
  • 我从不在网上买衣服，因为我喜欢先试试。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ cóng bù zài wǎngshàng mǎi yīfú, yīnwèi wǒ xǐhuān xiān shì shi.
  • English: I never buy clothes online because I like to try them on first.
  • Analysis: A clear explanation of a personal rule based on a preference.
• Example 10:
  • 即使工作再忙，他从不忘记给家人报平安。
  • Pinyin: Jíshǐ gōngzuò zài máng, tā cóng bù wàngjì gěi jiārén bào píng'ān.
  • English: Even when he's extremely busy with work, he never forgets to let his family know he's safe.
  • Analysis: This shows 从不 used with `即使 (jíshǐ)…`, emphasizing the unbreakable nature of the habit despite challenging circumstances.

• 从不 (cóng bù) vs. 从来不 (cónglái bù):
  • These two are very similar and often interchangeable for beginners. They both mean “never” in the sense of a habit.
  • 从来不 (cónglái bù) is slightly more emphatic. The addition of 来 (lái - to come) strengthens the feeling of “from the beginning until now.” It's like saying “never ever.” If you want to make a very strong declaration, 从来不 is a good choice. In everyday speech, 从不 is extremely common and sufficient.
• 从不 (cóng bù) vs. 从来没 (cónglái méi):
  • This is a critical distinction.
  • 从不 (cóng bù) + Verb: Describes a habit or rule. It implies a conscious decision or a consistent state. (“I never smoke.”)
  • 从来没 (cónglái méi) + Verb + 过 (guò): Describes a lack of experience. It means “have never done” something before. (“I have never smoked before.”)
  • Correct: 我从不喝酒。(Wǒ cóng bù hējiǔ.) - I never drink alcohol. (It's my rule/habit).
  • Correct: 我从来没喝过酒。(Wǒ cónglái méi hēguò jiǔ.) - I have never (had the experience of) drinking alcohol.
  • The first implies you refuse it; the second implies you've never had the chance or occasion.
• Mistake: Using 从不 for the future.
  • 从不 refers to a pattern from the past up to the present. To say you will “never” do something in the future, you should use 永远不 (yǒngyuǎn bù).
  • Incorrect: 我从不明天去北京。(Wǒ cóng bù míngtiān qù Běijīng.)
  • Correct: 我永远不会去北京。(Wǒ yǒngyuǎn bù huì qù Běijīng.) - I will never go to Beijing.

• 从来不 (cónglái bù) - A slightly more emphatic synonym of 从不, meaning “never ever” (for habits).
• 从来没 (cónglái méi) - Used with `过 (guò)` to express “have never experienced” something. Contrasts with 从不's focus on habit.
• 永远不 (yǒngyuǎn bù) - The future-tense equivalent of “never.” Means “will never” or “forever not.”
• 绝不 (jué bù) - “Absolutely not” or “under no circumstances.” Expresses strong determination or refusal, often for a specific, future situation. It's more emphatic and formal than 从不.
• 不曾 (bù céng) - A more literary or formal way of saying “never” or “has not,” similar in meaning to 从来没.
• 总是 (zǒng shì) - Antonym. Means “always.”
• 常常 (chángcháng) - Antonym. Means “often.”
• 偶尔 (ǒu'ěr) - Antonym. Means “occasionally” or “once in a while.”
• 一般 (yībān) - “Generally” or “usually.” Can be used to contrast with 从不 (e.g., “I usually do this, but I never do that.”).