从 vs 自从 (cóng vs zìcóng): from vs ever since
Both 从 (cóng) and 自从 (zìcóng) indicate a starting point in time, but they differ in scope and usage. 从 is a general preposition meaning 'from' that can refer to time or space and often pairs with 到 to specify an endpoint. 自从 specifically means 'ever since' a completed past event, implying the action or state continues to the present and cannot be used with an endpoint like 到.
从 (cóng) is a versatile preposition that means 'from' and can introduce a starting point in time, place, or condition. It often appears in the structure 从…到 (from…to) to define a time span, and it can also be used alone or with 起/开始 to emphasize the beginning. 自从 (zìcóng), on the other hand, is a specialized temporal conjunction that means 'ever since' and exclusively marks a past event whose effects or resulting state extend to the present. It is typically followed by 就/都/已经 to signal continuity and cannot take an endpoint like 到. Understanding this distinction helps choose the right term based on whether a time range or ongoing continuity is intended.
When to use each
Use 从 to indicate the starting point of a time span, often in the structure 从…到 (from…to). It can also mark spatial origins (从…来) or be combined with 起/开始 to emphasize the start. When the endpoint is clear from context, 从 can be used alone.
从 is also used for spatial 'from', which is not possible with 自从.
Use 自从 to emphasize that a situation has been ongoing from a specific past point until the present. It often pairs with 就/都/已经 to indicate continuation and is not followed by an endpoint phrase like 到. 自从 is especially common with verbs that describe a change or the start of a state.
自从 is more formal and literary than 从 in temporal use, and it implies a stronger connection to the present.
At a glance
| 从 | 自从 | |
|---|---|---|
| Usage scope | General 'from' (time & space) | Only temporal 'ever since' |
| Endpoint marker | Can pair with 到 for a range | Cannot use 到; implies continuation to present |
| Common patterns | 从…到, 从…起, 从…开始 | 自从…就/已经 |
| Verb type after | Any verb | Often with verbs that describe a change or start of state |
Examples
- 从我从八点工作到五点。Wǒ cóng bā diǎn gōngzuò dào wǔ diǎn.I work from eight to five.从 paired with 到 to show a time range.
- 自从自从去年毕业，我就一直在这家公司工作。Zìcóng qùnián bìyè, wǒ jiù yīzhí zài zhè jiā gōngsī gōngzuò.Ever since graduating last year, I have been working at this company.自从 marks a starting point with continuity; 就 emphasizes the ongoing state.
- 从他从上海来。Tā cóng Shànghǎi lái.He comes from Shanghai.Spatial use of 从, not possible with 自从.
- 自从自从买了车，他出门方便多了。Zìcóng mǎi le chē, tā chūmén fāngbiàn duō le.Ever since buying a car, going out has become much more convenient for him.自从 introduces a past event whose effect continues into the present.
Common mistakes
- Using 自从 with 到 to mark an endpoint: e.g., *自从去年到今年* – wrong; use 从…到 instead.
- Using 从 instead of 自从 when the focus is on continuity from a past event to now: e.g., *从去年离开，我就没见他* – should be 自从.
- Forgetting to include an endpoint marker with 从 when specifying a duration: e.g., *从八点工作* – need 到五点 or similar.
- Using 自从 for spatial 'from': e.g., *自从北京来* – wrong; use 从.
FAQ
- When do I use 从 vs 自从?
- Use 从 for general 'from' in time or space, especially when you want to express a range from A to B (often with 到). Use 自从 when you want to say 'ever since' a specific past point and emphasize that the result continues to the present, often with 就 or 都.
- Can 自从 be used for spatial 'from'?
- No, 自从 is only used for time, specifically for a past point with ongoing relevance. For spatial origin, always use 从 (e.g., 从北京来).
- Is 从 always paired with 到?
- No, 从 can stand alone when the endpoint is clear from context, or it can be used with 起/开始 to emphasize the start. However, if you need to specify both start and end, you must use 从…到.
- What does 自从 imply about the present?
- 自从 implies that the situation or state that began at the specified past point still exists or is relevant at the present moment. It often appears with 就 or 已经 to signal that continuity.