自从

zì cóng

HSK 2.0 Level 5 HSK 3.0 Level 5 Preposition Common

Definitions

1. since (a time)
2. ever since

Word relationships

Related words

3 items

• 从 cóng 从 cóng Also means 'from' but is used for point of departure; 自从 emphasizes starting from a past time.: Also means 'from' but is used for point of departure; 自从 emphasizes starting from a past time.
• 以来 yǐ lái 以来 yǐ lái since (a previous event) Used after a time expression to mean 'since'; often combined with 自从.: since (a previous event)
• 以后 yǐ hòu 以后 yǐ hòu after Means 'after'; can be used after time expressions, but not identical in usage to 自从.: after

Usage notes

Common mistakes

Since 自从 already means 'since a past time', do not add a separate word for 'starting'; it is redundant.

Example Sentences

1 shown

自从 他来以后，这里热闹多了。

Ever since he came, it has been much livelier here.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Child Words of 自从

• 自 自 zì: self