从 vs 由 (cóng vs yóu): marking origin and agent
Both 从 (cóng) and 由 (yóu) can mean 'from' in Chinese, but they differ in usage. 从 indicates a concrete spatial or temporal starting point, while 由 marks the agent or formal source, often in passive or formal contexts. Understanding this distinction is key to using them correctly.
从 (cóng) and 由 (yóu) both function as coverbs indicating a starting point or origin. 从 is the default choice for concrete spatial or temporal beginnings, such as 'from a place' or 'from a time'. 由 is more formal and primarily marks the agent in passive constructions (equivalent to 'by') or the source of an abstract change (e.g., 'from X to Y' in formal writing). 由 also appears in fixed expressions like 由于 (due to) and 由...组成 (composed of).
When to use each
Use 从 to mark a concrete spatial or temporal starting point, such as a location, time, or order. It is the standard coverb for 'from' in everyday speech and writing, e.g., 从北京 (from Beijing), 从现在 (from now on). It can also indicate a starting point in a sequence or range, e.g., 从小到大 (from small to large).
从 can be followed by a noun or time phrase and often pairs with 到 (to) to form 'from...to...' structures. It is rarely used to mark agency in passive sentences.
Use 由 to mark the agent (the doer) of an action in passive-like constructions, especially in formal or written Chinese. It also indicates a formal origin or starting point, often implying a change or transformation, such as 由...变 (change from...to...). 由 appears in fixed expressions like 由于 (due to) and 自由 (freedom).
由 is more formal than 从. It is not used for simple spatial starting points; that would sound unnatural. For agentive meaning, 由 is the correct choice, e.g., 由他负责 (it is handled by him).
At a glance
| 从 | 由 | |
|---|---|---|
| Core meaning | Spatial/temporal starting point | Agent or formal origin |
| Typical context | Concrete, everyday | Formal, written, or passive |
| Passive construction | Not used | Used to mark agent (by whom) |
| Pair with 到 | Common: 从...到... | Possible but formal: 由...到... |
| Fixed phrases | 以后 (from now on) | 由于, 由...组成 |
Examples
- 从我从上海来。Wǒ cóng Shànghǎi lái.I come from Shanghai.Spatial starting point: 从 is correct.
- 由由李先生负责这个项目。Yóu Lǐ xiānsheng fùzé zhège xiàngmù.Mr. Li is responsible for this project.Agent marker: 由 indicates the doer. Using 从 would be wrong.
- 从从今天开始，我要学中文。Cóng jīntiān kāishǐ, wǒ yào xué Zhōngwén.From today on, I will study Chinese.Temporal starting point: 从 is correct.
- 由由小到大，他都很努力。Yóu xiǎo dào dà, tā dōu hěn nǔlì.From childhood to adulthood, he was very hardworking.Formal expression of range; 由 is acceptable but 从 is more common in speech.
- 由这个委员会由五个人组成。Zhège wěiyuánhuì yóu wǔ gè rén zǔchéng.This committee is composed of five people.Fixed phrase 由...组成 (composed of). 从 cannot be used here.
- 从从明天起，我们放假。Cóng míngtiān qǐ, wǒmen fàngjià.Starting tomorrow, we have a holiday.Temporal starting point with 起; 从 is natural.
Common mistakes
- Using 由 for a concrete spatial start: e.g., *由北京来 should be 从北京来.
- Using 从 to mark an agent in a passive sentence: e.g., *从他负责 should be 由他负责.
- Overusing 由 in everyday speech for 'from' when 从 is more natural.
- Confusing 由 with 由于 in causal clauses: 由 alone does not mean 'because'.
FAQ
- When do I use 从 vs 由 for 'from'?
- Use 从 for a concrete spatial or temporal starting point, like 'from a place' or 'from a time'. Use 由 for a formal origin, often implying transformation or agency, such as 'from X to Y' in formal writing or 'by someone'.
- Can 由 be used like a passive marker?
- Yes, 由 marks the agent in a passive-like construction, equivalent to 'by' in English. For example: 由他设计 (designed by him). It is more formal than 被.
- Is 由 always formal?
- Mostly, yes. 由 appears in formal or written Chinese. In casual speech, 从 is preferred for 'from', and 被 is used for passive. However, some fixed expressions like 由于 (due to) are common in all registers.