Preposition: 自 (from/since)
介词引出时间处所：自
Use the formal preposition 自 to indicate a starting point in time or place
Place 自 before a time expression or location to indicate the starting point. When referring to time, 自 is often followed by 以来 (since then). When referring to place, 自 means "from" in a formal register.
自 is literary and formal — you will see it in written Chinese, news reports, and official documents. In casual speech, 从 is preferred. The pattern 自……以来 is extremely common in formal writing.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Preposition: 自 (from/since) (介词引出时间处所：自)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 介词引出时间处所：自 pattern
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Understanding 介词引出时间处所：自
The preposition 自 (zì) is the formal cousin of 从 (cóng). Both mean "from" or "since," but 自 belongs to written Chinese, news language, and formal speeches. When you say 自1978年以来, you are using a phrase you would read in a history textbook or hear in a news broadcast — it sounds educated and polished. 自 can mark both time (自古以来 — since ancient times) and place (自北京出发 — departing from Beijing), but its time usage is far more common. The pattern 自……以来 (since…) is a fixed structure that appears constantly in formal writing. Think of 自 as the word you choose when 从 feels too casual for the context. Learning to switch between 从 and 自 based on formality shows real command of Chinese register.
Key Points
- 自 (zì) = "from / since" — formal equivalent of 从.
- 自……以来 = "since…" — the most common pattern with 自 for time.
- 自古以来 = "since ancient times" — a very common fixed phrase.
- 自 + place = "from (a place)" — used in formal or literary contexts (自北京出发).
- In everyday speech, use 从 instead of 自; 自 sounds overly formal in casual conversation.
- 自 can also appear in the compound 自从 (zìcóng), which is slightly less formal than 自 alone.
Historical and political texts in Chinese heavily use 自……以来. Phrases like 自改革开放以来 (since the reform and opening up) are foundational in Chinese political discourse. Understanding 自 helps you read newspapers and official documents.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
自1978年以来，中国发生了很大的变化。
Since 1978, China has undergone great changes.
我们的航班准时自北京出发。
Our flight departs from Beijing on time.
Formal — place usage
自古以来，中国人就非常重视教育。
Since ancient times, Chinese people have placed great importance on education.
自从她离开以后，他一直很难过。
Ever since she left, he has been very sad.
自上个月起，公司实行了新的制度。
Starting from last month, the company implemented a new system.
这条河自西向东流入大海。
This river flows from west to east into the sea.
Formal — direction usage
Common Mistakes
When using 自 with time, you typically need 以来 or 起 to complete the structure. Without them, the sentence feels incomplete. For casual speech, just use 从.
For everyday locations in casual speech, use 从, not 自. 自 for places is reserved for formal writing and literary contexts.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
When reading Chinese news or textbooks, watch for 自……以来 — it appears in almost every article about history or development.
Memorize 自古以来 as a fixed chunk — it is used so often it functions almost like a single word.
In your own writing, use 自 when you want to sound formal; use 从 for everything casual.
The compound 自从 sits between 自 and 从 in formality — it is a good middle ground for semi-formal writing.
Homework
Write three formal sentences using 自……以来 about historical changes, and three sentences using 自从 about personal experiences since a specific event.