Definition
自 (zì) is a formal preposition meaning 'from' or 'since', used mainly in writing or set phrases to mark a starting point in space or time. It differs from 自从 (zìcóng), which is a more specific preposition that always introduces a time point and pairs with 以来 (yǐlái) to mean 'ever since'. In everyday speech, 从 (cóng) is the common word for 'from'.
preposition
from (indicating a starting point in space or time)since (indicating the beginning of a time period up to the present)
Easily confused
- 白báilook-alike(adjective) white; blank; plain
- 子zisound-alike(noun suffix) forms nouns from verbs, adjectives, or other nouns; often indicates a small object, tool, or person
- 字zìsound-alikecharacter (Chinese character)
- 兹zīsound-alikethis (formal, literary)
- 紫zǐsound-alikepurple
- 籽zǐsound-alikeseed (of a plant)
Examples
- 自。Zhè fēng xìn shì zì Shànghǎi jì lái de.This letter was sent from Shanghai.
- 自，。zì qùnián yǐlái, wǒmen de xuéxiào fāshēng le hěn dà biànhuà.Since last year, our school has changed a lot.
- 自，。zì míngtiān kāishǐ, wǒ yào zǎo shuì zǎo qǐ.Starting from tomorrow, I will go to bed early and get up early.
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