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自从…以来

HSK 6
  • Time

Structure (结构 jiégòu)

自从Time point/Event以来,Main clause

Meaning (意思 yìsi)

自从…以来 is used to indicate a period of time that begins at a point in the past and extends to the present.

Explanation (解释 jiěshì)

The structure 自从…以来 means "ever since… up to now." 自从 opens the construction, marking a specific point in time or event in the past. 以来 closes the time clause, emphasizing that the action or state in the main clause has continued from that point right up to the present. In spoken language, 以来 can sometimes be omitted, but using the full form is more formal and clearer in meaning.

Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)

  1. 自从毕业以来，我们没见过面。
    繁: 自從畢業以來，我們沒見過面。Zìcóng bìyè yǐlái, wǒmen méi jiàn guò miàn.

    Since graduating, we have not seen each other.

  2. 自从他来了以来，天气一直很好。
    繁: 自從他來了以來，天氣一直很好。Zìcóng tā lái le yǐlái, tiānqì yìzhí hěn hǎo.

    Since he arrived, the weather has been very nice.

  3. 自从去年以来，他变化很大。
    繁: 自從去年以來，他變化很大。Zìcóng qùnián yǐlái, tā biànhuà hěn dà.

    Since last year, he has changed a great deal.

  4. 自从开始工作以来，我每天都很忙。
    繁: 自從開始工作以來，我每天都很忙。Zìcóng kāishǐ gōngzuò yǐlái, wǒ měitiān dōu hěn máng.

    Since I started working, I have been busy every day.

  5. 自从搬家以来，我的心情好多了。
    繁: 自從搬家以來，我的心情好多了。Zìcóng bānjiā yǐlái, wǒ de xīnqíng hǎo duō le.

    Since moving, my mood has improved considerably.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong:自从明天以来，我要减肥。
    Correct:从明天起，我要减肥。

    自从 is used only for time points in the past. For the future, you can use "从...起" instead.

  • Wrong:自从他来了以来，我只吃了一顿饭。
    Correct:他来了以后，我只吃了一顿饭。

    The main clause must describe a prolonged state or action, not a one-time occurrence.