以来

• Reading: いらい
• Romaji: irai
• Kanji breakdown: 以 (i) — by means of, from; 来 (rai) — come
• Pronunciation: /i.ɾa.i/

Meaning

Since; from that time on; ever since. Indicates a starting point that continues to the present.

A noun and suffix indicating that something has continued from a certain point in time until now. Attaches to time expressions or events: 卒業以来 (since graduation), あれ以来 (since then). Always implies the situation continues to the present. Distinguished from 以降 (from that point onward, which may or may not continue to the present) and から (a more casual way to say 'since').

Examples

1. 大学卒業以来、ずっとこの会社で働いている。 I've been working at this company ever since graduating from college.
2. あれ以来、彼女とは会っていない。 I haven't seen her since then.
3. 引っ越し以来、近所に友達ができた。 Since moving here, I've made friends in the neighborhood.

Usage Guide

Context: narrative, formal writing, daily conversation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 以 (by means of, from) and 来 (come). Together they mean 'from a point, coming forward to the present,' capturing the sense of continuation.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal