How to say “ever since” in Chinese with 自从 (zìcóng)
自从 (zìcóng) + Event, Subj. + 就 (jiù) / 一直 (yìzhí) + Verb
自从 (zì cóng) — ever since
自从 (zìcóng) + Event, Subj. + 就 (jiù) / 一直 (yìzhí) + Verb
HSK 5Prepositions自从 (zì cóng) — ever since
Rule structure
自从 (zìcóng) is similar to 以来 (yǐlái) but emphasizes the starting point of a change. Often paired with 就 (jiù) to indicate a new state.
Rule structure
自从 (zìcóng) is similar to 以来 (yǐlái) but emphasizes the starting point of a change. Often paired with 就 (jiù) to indicate a new state.
Examples
自从有了孩子，她就没工作过。
Zìcóng yǒu le háizi, tā jiù méi gōngzuò guo.
Ever since she had a child, she hasn’t worked.
Examples
自从有了孩子，她就没工作过。
Zìcóng yǒu le háizi, tā jiù méi gōngzuò guo.
Ever since she had a child, she hasn’t worked.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you say “ever since” in Chinese with 自从?
Use the structure: 自从 (zìcóng) + Event, Subj. + 就 (jiù) / 一直 (yìzhí) + Verb. For example: 自从有了孩子，她就没工作过。 — “Ever since she had a child, she hasn’t worked.”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
自从有了孩子，她就没工作过。 — “Ever since she had a child, she hasn’t worked.”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 5.
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More HSK 5 grammar rules
就 — only, just
就 (jiù) + Measure Word / Noun (only, just)
包括 — including with 在内
包括 (bāokuò) + X + 在内 (zàinèi), Group + 都 (dōu) + Verb
朝 vs 向 vs 往 — direction prepositions
朝 (cháo) / 向 (xiàng) / 往 (wǎng) + Direction + Verb
对 vs 对于 — to, regarding
对 (duì) + Person + Verb / 对于 (duìyú) + Topic + Verb
对于 vs 至于 — as for, regarding
对于 (duìyú) + Topic (focus) / 至于 (zhìyú) + Topic (transition)
凭 — on the basis of
凭 (píng) + Noun + Verb
给 vs 为 — for someone's benefit
给 (gěi) + Recipient + Verb (transfer) / 为 (wèi) + Beneficiary + Verb (for the sake of)
对 — for… with 而言
对 (duì) / 对于 (duìyú) + Topic + 而言 (ér yán)