Grammar Point:
自从 zìcóng is a Chinese grammar structure used to indicate the starting point of an action or a state and emphasize the continuity or change that has occurred since that point. It’s similar to the English phrase “since” or “ever since.”
Structure
自從/自从 + Starting Point + Verb/Action
It can be followed by phrases using the markers (以)后 (yǐ)hòu.
自從我搬到北京以後,我就每天練習中文自从我搬到北京以后,我就每天练习汉语
Ever since I moved to Beijing, I’ve been practicing Chinese every day.
自從他畢業後,他就一直待在家沒出去工作自从他毕业后,他就一直待在家没出去工作
Since he graduated, he has been staying at home without going to work.
自從有了LINE和WeChat,沒有人傳簡訊了自从有了LINE和WeChat,没有人传简讯了
Since the advent of LINE and WeChat, nobody sends text messages anymore.
FYI
WhatsApp isn’t widely used in either Taiwan or China. Taiwanese commonly use LINE, while Chinese prefer WeChat. These apps play an integral role in daily life, offering messaging, social media, and payment services. LINE’s cute stickers and localized features align with Taiwanese culture. In China, WeChat functions as more than just a messaging app; it serves as a superapp for communication, payments, shopping, and more. Therefore, if you plan to have an extended stay in Taiwan or China, it’s advisable to download these apps.
自從養了貓,我就不想找男朋友了自从养了猫,我就不想找男朋友了
Since I got a cat, I don’t want to find a boyfriend anymore.
自從跟他分手以後,她就變了一個人自从跟他分手以后,她就变了一个人
Since breaking up with him, she has become a different person.
自從我開始做這個網站,我就常常想砸電腦自从我开始做这个网站,我就常常想砸电脑
Since I started working on this website, I often want to smashing the computer.
Common Mistakes
自从 zìcóng is used to express the starting point of an action in the past. But 从 cóng can be used to state starting points in the future.
自從明天開始我要每天慢跑自从明天开始我要每天慢跑 ❌
Starting from tomorrow, I’m going to go jogging every day.
從明天開始我要每天慢跑从明天开始我要每天慢跑 ✅
Starting from tomorrow, I’m going to go jogging every day.
Practice
TouchHover over the space to see the answers.
✔️ Since I joined this company, there hasn’t been a day without overtime.
自從我來到這間公司,沒有一天不加班自从我来到这间公司,没有一天不加班
✔️ Since I started cooking, my friends are reluctant to answer my calls.
自從我開始學做飯後,朋友都不願意接我的電話了自从我开始学做饭后,朋友都不愿意接我的电话了
✔️ Since quitting smoking, I have more money each month for drinking.
自從戒掉抽煙,我每個月就有了更多錢喝酒了自从戒掉抽烟,我每个月就有了更多钱喝酒了