从小

• Pinyin: cóng xiǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 从 = simplified from 從, following/from; 小 = pictograph of something small — small, young

Meaning

Since childhood; from a young age. Indicates something that has been true since one was a child.

A common adverb used to describe habits, characteristics, or experiences that began in childhood and often continue to the present. Frequently used in personal narratives and biographical descriptions.

Examples

1. 他从小就喜欢画画。 He has liked drawing since he was a child.
2. 她从小在农村长大。 She grew up in the countryside from a young age.
3. 我从小就想当一名老师。 I have wanted to be a teacher since I was little.

Usage Guide

Context: personal narrative, childhood, biography

Tone: reflective

Do Say

• 他从小就很聪明。(He has been smart since childhood.)
• 我从小就住在这里。(I've lived here since I was little.)

Don't Say

• 不要混淆从小和小时候 — 从小 emphasizes continuity from childhood to now, while 小时候 simply refers to the time period of childhood.

Origin & History

Compound of 从 (from, since) and 小 (small, young). Literally means from when one was small or young.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal