自从

• Pinyin: zì cóng
• Hanzi breakdown: 自 = pictograph of a nose, extended to mean 'self' or 'from'; 从 = two 人 (person) characters, meaning to follow

Meaning

Since; ever since. A preposition marking the starting point of an ongoing state or action.

Used to introduce a past time point from which a situation has continued to the present or another reference point. Often paired with 以后 or 就 in the following clause. More emphatic than simple 从, highlighting the significance of the starting event. Common in storytelling and describing changes over time.

Examples

1. 自从来到中国以后，我的中文进步了很多。 Since coming to China, my Chinese has improved a lot.
2. 自从他换了新工作，每天都很忙。 Ever since he changed to a new job, he has been busy every day.
3. 自从毕业以后，我们就没见过面。 We haven't seen each other since graduation.

Usage Guide

Context: storytelling, everyday, reflection

Tone: reflective

Do Say

• 自从认识你以后，我的生活变得更有趣了。(Ever since I met you, my life has become more interesting.)
• 自从开始运动，他的身体好多了。(Since he started exercising, his health has improved a lot.)

Don't Say

• 自从明天开始我要学习。(Don't use 自从 with future time — it marks a past starting point; for future plans, use 从明天开始)

Origin & History

自 (self, from) + 从 (follow, from). Together they form an emphatic preposition meaning 'ever since,' reinforcing the starting point.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal