一如既往
*The explanations on this page are generated by AI. Please note that they may contain inaccurate information.
1. Basic Information
- Pinyin: yī rú jì wǎng
- English Translation: Just as in the past (as always)
- Idiom Composition: 「一」(Completely or identical (forming 'exactly like' with the next character))
+ 「如」(Like or as) + 「既」(Already) + 「往」(Past or gone (forming 'the past' with the previous character)) - Meaning: To remain exactly as one was in the past. It indicates that an attitude, policy, or situation has been maintained without change. While often used in positive contexts like continued support or effort, it can also describe negative situations that persist.
2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances
「一如既往」 contains the following nuances:
- Continuity and Consistency: It emphasizes that a certain matter or attitude is 'completely identical' (一如) to the 'past' (既往), regardless of the passage of time or changes in circumstances.
- Expression of Will: It is frequently used in declarations of intent to 'continue doing something without change' in the future, especially in official statements.
- Objective Description: It can also be used to simply describe a state of affairs as a matter of fact, noting that it remains unchanged from before.
3. Usage
「一如既往」 is mainly used in the following contexts:
- Official Statements & Business: This is a very common set phrase used by corporations or governments to declare that they will continue to provide support or cooperation without changing their policies.
- Example:「我们将一如既往地支持贵公司的发展。」
(We will support your company's development just as we always have.)
- Example:「我们将一如既往地支持贵公司的发展。」
- Personal Attitude & Habits: Used to praise or describe a person's character or diligent attitude that remains unchanged despite difficulties or the passage of time.
- Example:「尽管遭遇了挫折,他仍然一如既往地努力工作。」
(Despite the setbacks, he is still working hard just as before.)
- Example:「尽管遭遇了挫折,他仍然一如既往地努力工作。」
- Situational Description: Can be used to state that a situation has not improved as expected, or simply that there has been no change.
- Example:「这里的交通拥堵状况一如既往,没有任何改善。」
(The traffic congestion here is the same as ever, with no improvement at all.)
- Example:「这里的交通拥堵状况一如既往,没有任何改善。」
Additional Examples:
- 无论发生什么,我对你的信任都将一如既往。
(Whatever happens, my trust in you will be just as it has always been.) - 这家餐厅的味道一如既往地好。
(The food at this restaurant is as delicious as ever.) - 面对批评,他一如既往地保持沉默。
(Facing criticism, he remained silent as usual.) - 希望大家一如既往地关注我们的新产品。
(We hope everyone will continue to follow our new products just as before.) - 虽然岁月流逝,但他对足球的热爱一如既往。
(Years have passed, but his passion for football remains exactly as it was in the past.)
4. Cultural Background and Notes
- Wide Range of Use: This idiom is used in both formal writing and daily speech. It is particularly favored in speeches and official documents to pledge 'unwavering support.'
- Grammatical Structure: It is most commonly used as an adverbial modifier in the form 一如既往地 (yī rú jì wǎng de) + Verb, meaning 'to do something just as before.'
- Nuance: While similar to 始终如一 (shǐ zhōng rú yī), which emphasizes consistency from start to finish, 一如既往 (yī rú jì wǎng) specifically focuses on the lack of change when compared to the past (既往).
5. Similar and Opposite Idioms
- Similar Idioms:
- 始终如一 (shǐ zhōng rú yī): Consistent from beginning to end in words, deeds, or attitude.
- 依然故我 (yī rán gù wǒ): To remain one's old self despite changes in the situation (sometimes used negatively to imply a lack of progress).
- 自始至终 (zì shǐ zhì zhōng): From beginning to end.link
- 一成不变 (yī chéng bù biàn): To remain unchanged; to be set in one's ways.link
- Opposite Idioms:
- 一反常态 (yī fǎn cháng tài): To completely depart from one's normal behavior or attitude.
- 改头换面 (gǎi tóu huàn miàn): To change only the appearance or form while the essence remains the same (often negative), or simply to change the look of something completely.
- 变化无常 (biàn huà wú cháng): Constantly changing and unpredictable.link
- 截然不同 (jié rán bù tóng): Completely different; poles apart.link
6. Summary
一如既往 (yī rú jì wǎng) means 'exactly as in the past,' indicating that a situation or attitude continues unchanged. It is frequently used in formal settings to emphasize continuity, such as 一如既往地支持 (yī rú jì wǎng de zhī chí), meaning 'to support as always.' It is also common in daily conversation to describe something that remains 'the same as ever.'
