HSK 5
自从 TIME
zìcóng TIME
since
Structure
自从 + Time/Event + (以后/以来), Subject + Verb Phrase
How it works
The word '自从' (zìcóng) is a preposition used to indicate a starting point in time. It is often used in the structure '自从...以来' or '自从...以后' to describe a period during which a certain situation exists or a change has occurred.
Examples
自从毕业以后，我们一直没见过面。
Zìcóng bìyè yǐhòu, wǒmen yìzhí méi jiànguò miàn.
Since graduating, we haven't seen each other.
自从买了车，他上班方便多了。
Zìcóng mǎile chē, tā shàngbān fāngbiàn duō le.
Since he bought a car, his commute has become much more convenient.
自从来到中国以来，他还没回过家。
Zìcóng láidào Zhōngguó yǐlái, tā hái méi huíguòjiā.
Since coming to China, he hasn't been back home yet.
Common mistakes
Using '自从' to describe a location; '自从' can only be used for time, whereas '从' can be used for both time and place.
Tip
If the starting point is a specific date or time, you can omit '以后'. If the starting point is an event or action, adding '以后' makes the sentence sound more natural.
More HSK 5 grammar
See 自从 TIME in real Chinese
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