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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "ever since" with 自从 (zìcóng)

    HSK 4
    Time Expressions

    Structure

    自从 + Time/Event, (就) + Result

    Explanation

    自从 (zìcóng) means "ever since" and introduces a point in time from which a situation began and has continued. It is placed before a time expression or event, and the main clause often includes 就 or 以来 to reinforce the sense of continuity.

    Examples

    • 自从他来了北京，就爱上了这座城市。

      zìcóng tā lái le Běijīng, jiù àishàng le zhè zuò chéngshì.

      Ever since he came to Beijing, he fell in love with this city.

    • 自从毕业以来，我们就没见过面。

      zìcóng bìyè yǐlái, wǒmen jiù méi jiànguò miàn.

      Since graduation, we haven't seen each other.

    • 自从学了中文，我交了很多中国朋友。

      zìcóng xué le Zhōngwén, wǒ jiāo le hěn duō Zhōngguó péngyǒu.

      Since I started learning Chinese, I've made many Chinese friends.

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