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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "from" with 自 (zì)

    Direction & Movement
    Manner & Method

    Structure

    来自 + Source / 自 + Source

    Explanation

    自 (zì) means "from" and is used in formal or written Chinese to indicate the origin or source of something. It often combines with 来 to form 来自 (to come from), as in 来自熟悉的语言 (coming from a familiar language).

    Examples

    • 这首歌来自一部很有名的电影。

      Zhè shǒu gē láizì yī bù hěn yǒumíng de diànyǐng.

      This song comes from a very famous movie.

    • 这些留学生来自不同的国家。

      Zhèxiē liúxuéshēng láizì bùtóng de guójiā.

      These international students come from different countries.

    • 自古以来，人们就对星空充满了好奇。

      Zìgǔ yǐlái, rénmen jiù duì xīngkōng chōngmǎnle hàoqí.

      Since ancient times, people have been full of curiosity about the starry sky.

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    Expressing "from" with 自 (zì) | Chinese Grammar