自从 zìcóng

自从（zìcóng）means “自从 = 'since, ever since' — marks a past starting point of a situation that continues”. 自从 marks the past moment or event from which a state or change has continued up to now: 自从 + [past time/event] + (以来) + [result]. Formation: 自从 + 过去的时间/事件 + （以来），……

自从 = 'since, ever since' — marks a past starting point of a situation that continues

HSK4

Formation

自从 + 过去的时间/事件 + （以来），……

Explanation

自从 marks the past moment or event from which a state or change has continued up to now: 自从 + [past time/event] + (以来) + [result]. It only takes a PAST starting point, and is often paired with 以来 or 以后.

Examples

自从 来了中国，他的汉语进步了很多。
zìcóng lái le zhōngguó, tā de hànyǔ jìnbù le hěn duō.
Ever since he came to China, his Chinese has improved a lot.
自从 那次以后，我们再也没见过面。
zìcóng nà cì yǐhòu, wǒmen zài yě méi jiàn guo miàn.
Ever since that time, we have never met again.

Note

Starting point must be in the past; often teamed with 以来/以后. Do not use for a future start.

FAQ

自从 — what does it mean and how is it used?

自从 = 'since, ever since' — marks a past starting point of a situation that continues. 自从 marks the past moment or event from which a state or change has continued up to now: 自从 + [past time/event] + (以来) + [result]. It only takes a PAST starting point, and is often paired with 以来 or 以后.

自从 — how do you form it?

自从 + 过去的时间/事件 + （以来），……

自从 — any usage notes?

Starting point must be in the past; often teamed with 以来/以后. Do not use for a future start.

Learn in the app →