Sùlái denotes a long-standing, consistent habit or characteristic, often used in formal contexts.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Always, habitually, or usually over a long period.
- Emphasizes consistency and long-term traits.
- Common in formal writing and descriptions.
Overview
“素来”是一个副词，用于描述某人或某事长期以来一直保持某种状态、习惯或特点。它强调的是一种持续性的、一贯性的表现，通常带有一定的评价色彩，可以是褒义，也可以是中性，有时也可能隐含贬义，具体取决于语境。这个词语的使用可以追溯到古代汉语，在现代汉语中依然被广泛使用，尤其是在书面语和较为正式的场合。
“素来”通常放在动词或形容词前面，用来修饰这个动词或形容词所表达的行为或状态。它表明这种行为或状态不是偶然的，而是长期存在的。例如，“他素来很勤奋”表示他一直都很勤奋。“这家店素来以服务周到闻名”表示这家店长期以来都以服务周到而著称。在句子中，“素来”可以起到连接过去和现在的作用，表明一种从过去延续至今的特点。
“素来”常用于描述人的性格、习惯、行为方式，或者事物的特点、状况等。在新闻报道、评论文章、文学作品以及正式的演讲中，“素来”出现的频率较高。例如，在评价一个人的品德时，可能会说“他素来为人正直”；在描述一个地方的特色时，可能会说“这个地区素来民风淳朴”。它也可以用于否定句，如“他素来不迟到”，意思是他从来不迟到。
“素来”与“一向”、“向来”、“历来”、“从来”等词语在意思上有相似之处，都表示时间上的持续性。但它们之间也存在细微差别。“一向”和“向来”意思非常接近，可以互换使用，强调的是从过去到现在一直如此。“历来”则更侧重于历史的延续，强调从古至今。“从来”则更强调从过去到现在的整个时间段，有时也带有强调的语气。而“素来”则更侧重于一种固有的、内在的、长期的习惯或特点，有时比“一向”或“向来”更具书面语色彩，也可能更强调某种内在的秉性或品质。
Examples
他素来做事认真负责，从不马虎。
everydayHe has always been conscientious and responsible in his work, never careless.
这家餐厅素来以其精致的菜肴和周到的服务而闻名。
formalThis restaurant has long been renowned for its exquisite cuisine and attentive service.
她素来不喜欢参加热闹的聚会。
informalShe has always disliked attending lively parties.
该地区素来是重要的交通枢纽，连接着南北方的经济往来。
academicThe region has historically been an important transportation hub, connecting the economies of the north and south.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
素来如此
It has always been this way
素来以...闻名
Has long been known for...
素来尊重
Always respect
Often Confused With
'素来' often implies a more ingrained or inherent quality or habit, possibly with a slightly more formal tone. '一向' is more general and can refer to any consistent behavior over time, often more colloquial.
'从来' emphasizes the entire duration from the past up to the present, often used for emphasis and can be used in both positive and negative sentences. '素来' focuses more on the habitual nature or inherent characteristic.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '素来' to describe consistent, long-term habits, characteristics, or situations. It is generally more formal than '一直' or '总是'. It fits well when describing personal qualities, established reputations, or historical conditions. Avoid using it for very recent or temporary states.
Common Mistakes
Do not confuse '素来' with adverbs indicating occasional or sudden actions. Ensure the context implies a continuous state or habit over a significant period. Avoid using it in highly informal spoken language where simpler alternatives might be preferred.
Tips
Emphasize Long-Term Consistency
Use '素来' to highlight that a behavior or trait has been present for a significant duration, not just recently.
Avoid Overuse in Casual Talk
While correct, '素来' can sound a bit formal or literary in very casual, everyday conversations. Consider alternatives like '一直' or '总是'.
Reflects Enduring Qualities
The term often implies a stable, ingrained characteristic, reflecting a value placed on consistency and enduring nature in Chinese culture.
Word Origin
The character '素' originally meant 'white silk' or 'unadorned'. In its extended meaning, it refers to something inherent, natural, or long-standing. '来' means 'to come'. Together, '素来' suggests something that has naturally or inherently been the case from the past up to the present.
Cultural Context
The concept of enduring qualities and consistent character is valued in Chinese culture. '素来' reflects this by emphasizing long-term traits rather than fleeting actions or moods.
Memory Tip
Think of '素' (plain, simple, inherent quality) combined with '来' (coming, arriving). It suggests a quality that has 'plainly' or 'inherently' been arriving/present for a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“素来”和“一向”都表示一直以来，但“素来”更侧重于描述一个人长期形成的固有习惯、品性或事物的特点，语气可能更显正式或书面化。“一向”则更普遍，可以用于描述各种情况，包括暂时的习惯或状态，相对口语化一些。
是的，“素来”可以用于否定句，例如“他素来不爱说话”，表示他一直以来都不爱说话。这种用法强调的是其一贯的、长期的不说话的习惯。
“素来”比较适合用在书面语，以及比较正式的口语场合，比如新闻报道、评论、演讲或正式的描述中。在非常随意的日常对话中，可能会觉得它略显正式。
“素来”本身不带有强烈的感情色彩，它可以是中性的描述，也可以根据上下文带有褒义或贬义。例如，“他素来助人为乐”是褒义，“他素来脾气不好”则可能带有贬义。
Test Yourself
这位学者______在学术研究上精益求精，从未懈怠。
“素来”表示一直以来，符合语境中描述学者长期坚持高标准的研究态度。
他______待人真诚，赢得了大家的信任。
“素来”表示长期以来一直如此，符合描述一个人长期真诚待人的情况。
请用“素来”描述一个人的特点。
“素来”表示长期以来一直如此，描述性格特点，如“不爱出风头”是合适的。选项B和D不符合“素来”表示持续性的用法，选项C虽然是描述能力，但不如描述性格特点更常见和贴切。
Score: /3
Summary
Sùlái denotes a long-standing, consistent habit or characteristic, often used in formal contexts.
- Always, habitually, or usually over a long period.
- Emphasizes consistency and long-term traits.
- Common in formal writing and descriptions.
Emphasize Long-Term Consistency
Use '素来' to highlight that a behavior or trait has been present for a significant duration, not just recently.
Avoid Overuse in Casual Talk
While correct, '素来' can sound a bit formal or literary in very casual, everyday conversations. Consider alternatives like '一直' or '总是'.
Reflects Enduring Qualities
The term often implies a stable, ingrained characteristic, reflecting a value placed on consistency and enduring nature in Chinese culture.
Examples
4 of 4他素来做事认真负责，从不马虎。
He has always been conscientious and responsible in his work, never careless.
这家餐厅素来以其精致的菜肴和周到的服务而闻名。
This restaurant has long been renowned for its exquisite cuisine and attentive service.
她素来不喜欢参加热闹的聚会。
She has always disliked attending lively parties.
该地区素来是重要的交通枢纽，连接着南北方的经济往来。
The region has historically been an important transportation hub, connecting the economies of the north and south.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More daily_life words
朝九晚五
B2From nine to five; regular working hours.
废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
B2Abundant; ample.
充沛
B2Abundant; plentiful; full of energy.
门禁卡
B2Access card; entry card.
门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.
