How to use 离、从
离 vs. 从
离 measures separation relative to a reference point. It commonly introduces the place from which a distance is assessed, or an event whose remaining time is being considered. The following predicate states the gap or evaluates it as near or far. No journey from that point needs to take place.
从 introduces an origin or starting point for a route, time span, transfer, or perspective. It can occur with 起 or 开始 to make a temporal beginning explicit. English “from” therefore does not determine the choice by itself. Ask whether the sentence measures a gap or establishes where something starts or comes from. The distance described with 离 can change as circumstances change.
Examples with pinyin and English
从下个月起，公司会越来越忙。
Starting from next month, the company will be busier and busier.
从我上小学开始，就特别喜欢画画。
I have really liked drawing since starting elementary school.
从那以后，我们就没有联系了。
Ever since then, we haven't been in touch.
从今以后，我不用再加班了。
I don't need to work late from now on.
你家离公司多远？
How far is your home from your company?
What to remember
- 离 introduces a reference for separation.
- 从 introduces a starting point or source.
- Neither choice follows from English “from” alone.
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Source and editorial notes
Explanation rewritten for Laowai. Examples are adapted from the Laowai English grammar curriculum, with editorial corrections where needed. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
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