一如既往

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: yì rú jì wǎng
• English Translation: As always, as before, consistently
• Idiom Composition: 「一」（One, the same）＋「如」（Like, as if）＋「既」（Already）＋「往」（Past, to go）
• Meaning: To be exactly the same as before. It describes maintaining a certain state or attitude unchanged from the past.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「一如既往」 contains the following nuances:

• Continuity: It emphasizes that a certain state or attitude has continued uninterrupted from the past to the present.
• Immutability: It indicates that the original state is maintained without being affected by changes in the external environment or situation.
• Stability: Often represents a consistent and reliable state or attitude in a positive sense.
• Habit: Can also describe habits cultivated over many years or personality traits.

3. Usage

「一如既往」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Consistency of attitude and behavior: Describes that a person's personality, attitude, or behavior has not changed from the past.
  • Example:「他一如既往地努力工作。」
    （He works hard as always.）
• Continuation of a state: Describes that the state of things continues as before.
  • Example:「这家餐厅的菜品质量一如既往地好。」
    （The quality of the food at this restaurant is good as always.）
• Maintaining a habit: Describes that long-standing habits or life patterns have not changed.
  • Example:「他一如既往地每天早上跑步。」
    （He runs every morning as usual.）

Additional Examples:

1. 尽管遇到了很多困难，她一如既往地乐观向上。
   （Despite facing many difficulties, she remains optimistic and positive as always.）
2. 这家公司的服务质量一如既往地好，赢得了顾客的信赖。
   （The service quality of this company is good as ever, winning the trust of customers.）
3. 即使取得了巨大的成功，他还是一如既往地谦虚谨慎。
   （Despite achieving great success, he remains humble and cautious as always.）
4. 老师一如既往地关心着每一个学生的成长。
   （The teacher watches over the growth of each student as always.）
5. 无论外界如何变化，他都一如既往地坚持自己的原则。
   （No matter how the outside world changes, he adheres to his principles as always.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Emphasis on persistence: In Chinese culture, continuing things for a long time and maintaining consistency tend to be considered virtues. The expression '一如既往' reflects these values.
• Positive evaluation: '一如既往' is often used in a positive sense, especially when praising someone's effort or the quality of something.
• Literary expression: '一如既往' is a somewhat formal expression and is more commonly used in writing or formal situations than in everyday conversation.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 始终如一 (shǐ zhōng rú yī): To be consistent from beginning to end.
  • 始终不渝 (shǐ zhōng bù yú): Unwavering from beginning to end, to be loyal.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 朝三暮四 (zhāo sān mù sì): To be fixated on immediate differences without realizing the result is the same. Policies or plans change frequently.
  • 反复无常 (fǎn fù wú cháng): To change frequently and be inconsistent.

6. Summary

'一如既往' is an idiom that describes a state or attitude that continues unchanged from the past to the present. It reflects Chinese cultural values of persistence and consistency and is often used positively. When using this idiom, it is important to consider whether the context and subject truly deserve the evaluation of being 'unchanged.' Also, as it is a somewhat formal expression, choosing the appropriate situation to use it is important.