How to use 自从
自从 + Past Starting Point + (以来)，Main Clause
自从 identifies a past starting point and frames what has happened from that point onward. The starting point can be a date or an event clause. The main statement may describe a continuing state, repeated behavior, or an accumulated change. This is especially useful when a particular experience marks a clear turning point.
以来 can close the starting-point phrase in a more explicit frame, while 从 also appears in related temporal constructions. The later statement needs to concern the period following that beginning, rather than just an unrelated event. 自从 normally looks back to an established past start; for a future starting point, 从 is usually the more suitable choice. Context establishes the endpoint of the period.
Examples with pinyin and English
自从来到湖南，我越来越能吃辣了。
Ever since arriving in Hunan I've been more and more able to eat spicy food.
自从金融危机爆发，就业市场越来越不景气了。
Ever since the economic crisis hit the job market has gotten worse and worse.
自从吵完架，两个人再也没有说过话。
Since their fight the two of them haven't spoken at all.
自从他跟我分手后，他就没有联系过我。
Ever since he broke up with me he hasn't contacted me.
What to remember
- 自从 introduces an established past starting point.
- Describe the period or developments that follow.
- 从 is more suitable for ordinary future starting points.
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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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