Grammar Point:
The word “Never” in Chinese can be translated as 从来 cónglái. It is used to indicate that something has not happened at any time in the past or will not happen in the future.
Structure
S + cónglái + 不 bù + V
In casual speech, 从来 cónglái can be shortened to just 从 cóng to convey the same meaning.
我從來不抽菸我从来不抽烟
I never smoke.
他從不承認自己的錯誤他从不承认自己的错误
He never admits his mistakes.
我從不覺得成功靠的是運氣我从不觉得成功靠的是运气
I never think that success depends on luck.
你從來不給我機會解釋你从来不给我机会解释
You never give me a chance to explain.
貓從來不會把你當主人猫从来不会把你当主人
Cats never consider you their owner.
媽媽從來不會忘記我的生日妈妈从来不会忘记我的生日
Mom never forgets my birthday.
S + cónglái + 没(有) méi(yǒu) + V + 过 guò
你在上海10年，從來沒學過中文嗎？你在上海10年，从来没学过中文吗？
You’ve been in Shanghai for 10 years, and you’ve never learned Chinese?
近5年的房價從來沒有跌過近5年的房价从来没有跌过
The housing prices in the last 5 years have never fallen.
他從來沒說過這句話，你是不是誤會了？他从来没说过这句话，你是不是误会了？
He has never said this before; are you misunderstanding?
我從沒聽說過這件事我从没听说过这件事
I have never heard about this.
我從沒吃過這麼好吃的甜點我从没吃过这么好吃的甜点
I have never eaten such delicious desserts.
我從沒去過中國的洗浴，真想去一次我从没去过中国的洗浴，真想去一次
I have never been to a Chinese bathhouse; I really want to go once.
FYI
In the heart of China, particularly in the serene landscapes of the Northeast, there exists a unique and revered haven known as the ‘bathhouse.’ As you step inside, the very first ritual is a courteous exchange of shoes for a numbered tag at the grand entrance of the lobby.
Inside the bathhouse, the separation of genders is a matter of tradition, while the waters maintain a gentle warmth, usually in the range of 40 to 45 degrees Celsius. This temperature encourages your body to embrace a gentle, soothing sweat, promoting a natural detoxification process. Bathhouses vary in offerings, each with its unique features; some introduce you to the wonders of fish therapy, ginger therapy, or even a rejuvenating soak in Chinese herbal baths.
In the Northeastern region, there’s a charming saying: ‘sip tea inside, soak outside.’ This suggests a unique custom where patrons enjoy a cup of tea while immersing themselves in the warm waters. The tea warms the stomach, while the bathwater soothes the skin, creating a harmonious balance that leaves you feeling revitalized.
For those seeking an extra touch of luxury, select bathhouses feature special surf massage devices, which can provide a deeply relaxing experience.
However, bathing is only the beginning. The next step is the sauna, a peaceful retreat that typically lasts for about ten minutes. After your sauna session, it’s time to move on to the next phase: body scrubbing. Of course, you’re welcome to return to the bathing area before this cleansing ritual.
In the Northeast, you’ll discover a world of scrubbing options. There’s the enchanting allure of vinegar scrubs, the luxury of red wine scrubs, the comfort of towel scrubs, and even the delights of milk baths and salt baths. Many bathhouses offer packages that include a vinegar scrub, followed by a soothing soak in a salt bath. The vinegar scrub serves to exfoliate and remove excess oils, while also promoting enhanced blood circulation. It’s more than a mere cleansing; it’s a part of a broader wellness culture.
After scrubbing, you’ll be asked if you’d like a salt rub. If you haven’t experienced this, it’s a must-try. The cost of a salt rub typically starts at an additional 30 yuan, and it varies depending on the bathhouse’s size and services. The salt rub isn’t merely about applying salt; it’s an immersive, full-body massage, which can be extremely rejuvenating. A typical session lasts for about 20 minutes. Following your salt rub, you’re encouraged to return to the sauna for a few additional minutes, allowing the combined benefits of sweat and saltwater to take effect, contributing to a rejuvenating and cleansing experience.
Upon completing your bathhouse journey, you’ll be invited to another level of indulgence – a self-service buffet. Here, you’ll encounter a bountiful array of delectable dishes, ranging from the simplicity of vegetarian delights to the opulence of seafood, featuring crabs, lobsters, sumptuous desserts, and delightful ice creams. The culinary spectrum spans from the delicate flavors of Japanese and Korean cuisines to the hearty appeal of Western fast food.
Once you’ve satisfied your palate, you have the opportunity to unwind in the comfort of various chambers. The bathhouse extends its offerings, featuring KTV rooms for musical merriment, a cozy movie theater, a whimsical children’s sandbox area, a billiards room for friendly competition, and even a tranquil library for those seeking a quiet escape. The bathhouse is truly a place where you can follow your heart’s desires.”
Practice
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✔️ If you want me to find a good restaurant, I never feel tired.
如果要我找好吃的餐廳，我從來不覺得累如果要我找好吃的餐厅，我从来不觉得累
✔️ I have never regretted being a Chinese teacher.
我從來沒後悔過當中文老師我从来没后悔过当汉语老师
✔️ My Chinese class never makes students feel bored.
我的中文課從不會讓學生覺得無聊我的汉语课从不会让学生觉得无聊
