Meaning and Usage
"自始至终" means "from beginning to end" or "throughout". It emphasizes continuity and consistency over the entire duration of an event or action.
Common Contexts
It is often used to describe someone's attitude, behavior, or a situation that remains unchanged from start to finish. For example, sticking to an opinion, maintaining a mood, or keeping a secret.
Collocations and Patterns
- 自始至终 + verb phrase: emphasizes the action or state lasting the whole time.
- 自始至终 + 都 + verb: stresses no change throughout.
Nuance
Using "自始至终" implies a strong sense of persistence or unchanging nature. It is more formal and literary than simply saying "从头到尾".
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "自始至终" with "从头到尾"; both mean "from start to finish," but "自始至终" often carries a stronger tone of unwavering consistency or loyalty.