…以来 yǐlái

…以来（yǐlái）means “since; ever since”. 以来 marks a period stretching from a point in the past up to now. Formation: 时间词/自从…… + 以来

since; ever since

HSK5

Formation

时间词/自从…… + 以来

Explanation

以来 marks a period stretching from a point in the past up to now. It follows a time expression (三年以来) or a clause introduced by 自从 (自从…以来). The main clause usually describes a change or state that spans the whole period.

Examples

三年以来，这里的变化很大。
sān nián yǐlái, zhèlǐ de biànhuà hěn dà
Over the past three years, this place has changed a lot.
自从上大学以来，我很少回家。
zìcóng shàng dàxué yǐlái, wǒ hěn shǎo huí jiā
Ever since I started university, I have rarely gone home.

Note

以来 comes after the time phrase and is often paired with 自从 at the front.

FAQ

…以来 — what does it mean and how is it used?

since; ever since. 以来 marks a period stretching from a point in the past up to now. It follows a time expression (三年以来) or a clause introduced by 自从 (自从…以来). The main clause usually describes a change or state that spans the whole period.

…以来 — how do you form it?

时间词/自从…… + 以来

…以来 — any usage notes?

以来 comes after the time phrase and is often paired with 自从 at the front.

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