Structure:

Subject + 从来 + 都 + Verb Phrase

Meaning:

Without the negative adverbs 不 and 没, 从来 takes on the meaning of “always.” (Literally, 从来 means something like “from the beginning,” although no one is really thinking that phrase when they use it.) When used in the positive, though, it is customary to put the adverb 都 after the 从来.

Examples:

1. 我 从来 都 是 一 个 人，已经 习惯 了。

Wǒ cónɡlái dōu shì yī ɡè rén, yǐjīnɡ xíɡuàn le.

I have always been alone; I’m used to it already.

2. 他 从来 都 不 会 做饭 。

Tā cónɡlái dōu bú huì zuòfàn.

He has never been able to cook.

3. 她 从来 都 是 这样，自私 得 很 。

Tā cónɡlái dōu shì zhèyànɡ, zìsī dé hěn.

  She’s always been like that, very selfish.