Usage of 始终
The adverb 始终 means "from beginning to end" or "all along." It emphasizes continuity and persistence over a period of time. It is often used to describe someone maintaining an attitude, behavior, or state without change.
Common contexts
- Expressing unwavering commitment or opinion: 始终坚持 (persist all along)
- Showing continuous support or feelings: 始终支持 (support throughout)
- Describing actions or states that never stop: 始终没有 (never did)
Collocations and patterns
- 始终坚持 + noun/verb: to persist in something
- 始终没有 + verb: never did something
- 始终支持 + person/idea: to support someone or something continuously
Nuance and register
始终 is formal and neutral, suitable for both spoken and written Chinese. It conveys a strong sense of consistency and is often used in narratives or arguments to stress reliability or determination.
Common confusion
Do not confuse 始终 with 终于 (finally). 始终 stresses continuous persistence, while 终于 indicates the end or conclusion of an event.