Difference between revisions of "Expressing "ever since" with "yilai""
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| − | == | + | == Used with 来 == |
Using 来 to mean "ever since" is basically the same as "以来," however, there is one key difference: you can only use 来 after a time interval. In other words, it needs to be used with a certain number of years, months, days, hours etc. In English this would be like saying "ever since three days ago, I've had a constant headache." It doesn't have to be a specific number either, it could be "a few" (几). | Using 来 to mean "ever since" is basically the same as "以来," however, there is one key difference: you can only use 来 after a time interval. In other words, it needs to be used with a certain number of years, months, days, hours etc. In English this would be like saying "ever since three days ago, I've had a constant headache." It doesn't have to be a specific number either, it could be "a few" (几). | ||
| − | + | === Structure === | |
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Revision as of 04:42, 13 October 2017
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There are a few ways to express "ever since" in Chinese. In English, we would say something like "ever since I came to Shanghai, my Chinese has improved a lot." In this article, we will first take a look at using 以来 (yǐlái) to mean "ever since." We will also take a quick look at using "ever since" with 来 (lái), which is similar but used in a somewhat different way.
Contents
Structure with 以来
Basic Pattern
To express "ever since," all one needs to do is put "以来" (yǐlái) after a specific event or time. It expresses what has happened since the stated event until the time that the speaker talks (in other words, referring to a certain time period).
Structure
Time / Event + 以来
This grammar pattern is usually used to start a statement.
Examples
- 毕业 以来 ，他 一直 在 教 英语 。Since I was in college, I haven't skipped a class.
- 结婚 以来 ，我们 从来 没 吵 过 架 。We've never had a fight since we got married.
- 改革 开放 以来 ，中国 社会 发生 了 巨大 的 变化 。
Tremendous changes have been taken place in China since the reform and opening up.
Advanced Pattern
When you need to use 以来 in a more formal or written context, you can add 自 or 自从 (or other similar words) before the time or event.
Structure
自 / 自从 + Time or Event + 以来
Examples
- 自从 去年 圣诞节以来，他 一直 没有 回 过 家 。He hasn't returned home since last Christmas.
- 自从辞职以来，我 都 在 旅行 。I've been traveling since I quit my job.
Used with 来
Using 来 to mean "ever since" is basically the same as "以来," however, there is one key difference: you can only use 来 after a time interval. In other words, it needs to be used with a certain number of years, months, days, hours etc. In English this would be like saying "ever since three days ago, I've had a constant headache." It doesn't have to be a specific number either, it could be "a few" (几).
Structure
Time Interval + 来
This form cannot be used with 自, 从 or 自从 (or other similar words).
Examples
- 三 个 月来，我们 去 了 很 多地方 旅游。Since three months ago, we've traveled to a lot of places.
- 五 年 来，物价 一直 上涨。Ever since five years ago, prices have been going up.
- 我 的 同学 几 天 来 一直 没有 上课。My classmate hasn't come to class for a few days now.
See also
Sources and further reading
Books
- New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (p. 203) →buy
- Boya Chinese Elementary Starter 2 (博雅汉语初经起步篇) (p. 25) →buy
- 现代汉语八百词 （p. 616) →buy
- 卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (p. 36) →buy
