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    Chinese Grammar

    Indicating a time period with 来 (lái)

    Time Expressions

    Structure

    Time Duration + 来 + Clause

    Explanation

    来 (lái) can be used after a time duration to indicate "over the past" period, meaning "since" or "for the duration of." In this usage, it follows a time expression like 多年来 (over the years) to mark a span of time leading up to the present. This is distinct from its basic meaning of "to come."

    Examples

    • 多年来他一直坚持每天写日记。

      Duō nián lái tā yìzhí jiānchí měitiān xiě rìjì.

      Over the years, he has persisted in writing a diary every day.

    • 几个月来天气一直很干燥。

      Jǐ gè yuè lái tiānqì yìzhí hěn gānzào.

      The weather has been very dry for months.

    • 长期以来，这个问题都没有得到解决。

      Chángqī yǐlái, zhège wèntí dōu méiyǒu dédào jiějué.

      For a long time, this problem has not been resolved.

    Indicating a time period with 来 (lái) | Chinese Grammar