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March 24, 2026
一贯(一貫)yíguàn(yi2guan4)
一贯 (yī guàn) refers to something that is consistent or constant over time, indicating a continuity in behavior, beliefs, or actions. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts to describe someone's steadfastness in their principles or methods.
Frequency#8545DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of consistency (一贯) is highly valued, particularly in business and personal relationships, where trust is built through reliable behavior over time. This reflects the Confucian ideal of steadfast character.
Memory Tip
Imagine a straight line (一) that runs through time (贯), symbolizing consistency from one point to another. Picture a train that always follows the same tracks, never deviating, representing reliability and unwavering persistence.
Meanings of 一贯
yíguàn(yi2guan4)
1consistent
2constant
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 一贯
一贯Simplified
一貫Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#8545Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 一贯
Podcast: 一贯
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AI Study Notes for 一贯
Quick Contrast
一贯 (consistent) vs 始终 (always) — use 一贯 when emphasizing a continuity in behavior or principles, while 始终 focuses more on the unwavering nature of an action over time.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a straight line (一) that runs through time (贯), symbolizing consistency from one point to another. Picture a train that always follows the same tracks, never deviating, representing reliability and unwavering persistence.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 一贯 with 一般 (yī bān), which means 'generally' or 'usually.' 一贯 is more definitive, indicating a strong, unwavering characteristic. It is often used in formal contexts, especially in discussions of principles or behavior.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 一贯 connects to other advanced vocabulary describing consistency and reliability. Focus on using it in sentences that highlight behaviors, such as '他的态度一直是一贯的' (His attitude has always been consistent).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of consistency (一贯) is highly valued, particularly in business and personal relationships, where trust is built through reliable behavior over time. This reflects the Confucian ideal of steadfast character.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 一贯 with 贯穿 (guàn chuān), which means 'to penetrate throughout.' A common mistake is saying '他的态度贯穿是一贯的' instead of '他的态度一直是一贯的.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 一贯
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Grammar Patterns of 一贯
一贯 functions as a number. It almost always combines with a measure word before a noun (三个人, 五本书). Standalone numbers are rare outside of math or counting. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
____性急冲动的他又宣布要退学了。
With characteristic impetuosity, he announced he was leaving school.
Example Sentences for 一贯 (7)
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1
一贯性急冲动的他又宣布要退学了。
yī guàn xìng jí chōng dòng de tā yòu xuān bù yào tuì xué le。
With characteristic impetuosity, he announced he was leaving school.
2
杰伊一贯和他的女朋友们保持距离。
jié yī yī guàn hé tā de nǚ péng yǒu mén bǎo chí jù lí。
Jay had always tended to keep his girlfriends at a distance.
3
汤米·图恩在编排的舞蹈中注入其一贯的优雅和活力。
tāng mǐ· · tú ēn zài biān pái de wǔ dǎo zhōng zhù rù qí yī guàn de yōu yǎ hé huó。
Tommy Tune gives the choreography his usual class and zip.
4
我一贯大声说出自己的想法，不会迫于压力而一言不发。
wǒ yī guàn dà shēng shuō chū zì jǐ de xiǎng fǎ， ， bù huì pò yú yā lì ér yī yán bù。
I've always had a loud mouth, I refuse to be silenced.
5
他以一贯的漫不经心回答道：“那又怎样？”
tā yǐ yī guàn de màn bù jīng xīn huí dá dào：“ ：“ nà yòu zěn？”
He replied with characteristic insouciance: "So what?"
6
菲什教授一贯表现出很高的职业水准。
fēi shí jiào shòu yī guàn biǎo xiàn chū hěn gāo de zhí yè shuǐ zhǔn。
Professor Fish has been nothing if not professional.
7
她脸上挂着她一贯的微笑。
tā liǎn shàng guà zháo tā yī guàn de wēi xiào。
She's smiling her usual friendly smile.
Cultural Notes for 一贯
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of consistency (一贯) is highly valued, particularly in business and personal relationships, where trust is built through reliable behavior over time. This reflects the Confucian ideal of steadfast character.
Frequently Asked Questions about 一贯
Yes, although it is more common in formal settings, you can use 一贯 in informal conversations to emphasize someone's consistent behavior.
Synonyms include 一直 (yī zhí) meaning 'always' and 始终 (shǐ zhōng) meaning 'from beginning to end,' but they may carry slightly different nuances.
