Preposition: 自从 (Ever Since)
介词：自从
Use 自从 to express that something has been the case ever since a particular time or event
Place 自从 at the beginning of the sentence before a time reference or event. The main clause that follows often uses 就 to emphasize the immediate or continuous result.
自从 always refers to a past starting point. It is more formal than simply saying 从. The adverb 就 in the second clause is very common but not strictly required. 自从 can also appear after the subject: 他自从来到中国，就……
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Preposition: 自从 (Ever Since) (介词：自从)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 介词：自从 pattern
New here?
Understanding 介词：自从
The preposition 自从 (zìcóng) means "ever since" and marks the starting point of a continuing situation or change. It is used exclusively for past events — you cannot use 自从 to talk about the future. When you say 自从修了公路, you are pointing to the moment the road was built and saying "from that point on, everything changed." The structure almost always pairs with 就 in the second clause, creating a cause-and-effect flow: "Ever since X happened, Y has been the case." This pattern is slightly more literary than casual 从, making it perfect for storytelling and explaining life changes.
Key Points
- 自从 (zìcóng) = "ever since" — marks a past starting point for a continuing state.
- Always used with past events, never future plans.
- The second clause typically uses 就 to show the result or continuation.
- 自从 is more formal and emphatic than plain 从.
- Can appear before or after the subject: 自从他来了 or 他自从来了.
- Often used to describe life-changing events or turning points.
- Common pattern: 自从……以后，就…… (Ever since…, [someone] has…)
Chinese speakers love to narrate personal growth and change. 自从 is a storytelling staple — you will hear it in conversations about moving to a new city, starting a new job, or any life milestone that changed someone's habits or outlook.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
自从修了公路，这儿的交通就方便多了。
Ever since the road was built, transportation here has become much more convenient.
自从来到中国，他就喜欢上了中国菜。
Ever since he came to China, he has loved Chinese food.
自从她毕业以后，我们就再也没见过面。
Ever since she graduated, we have never met again.
自从学了中文，我对中国文化越来越感兴趣。
Ever since I learned Chinese, I have become more and more interested in Chinese culture.
他自从搬到北京，就很少回家了。
Ever since he moved to Beijing, he has rarely gone home.
自从 placed after the subject
自从开始跑步，她的身体好多了。
Ever since she started running, her health has improved a lot.
自从有了孩子，他们的生活完全变了。
Ever since they had a child, their life has completely changed.
Common Mistakes
自从 can only be used for past events. For future plans, use 从 instead.
The 自从 clause needs a comma and the result clause usually needs 就 to connect the cause and effect clearly.
自从 introduces a starting point, so there must be a result clause to complete the thought.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Think of 自从 as the Chinese equivalent of "ever since that moment…" — it always looks back in time.
Pair 自从 with 就 almost automatically — they are natural partners, like "ever since… then…"
Use 自从 to tell stories about personal change: 自从我开始学中文, 自从我来到这个城市.
If you are not sure whether to use 自从 or 从, remember: 自从 = past only, 从 = past or future.
Homework
Write six sentences using 自从 to describe changes in your life: two about learning Chinese, two about moving or traveling, and two about a new habit or hobby you started.