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A1 noun #3,858 most common 11 min read

以来

irai Top 3,858

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 以来 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 以来 in your Level:

At the A1 level, think of 以来 (irai) as a special way to say 'since' for important life events. While you usually use 'kara' for simple things like 'from 5 o'clock,' 'irai' is used for bigger moments. For example, if you moved to Japan and have been happy since then, you can use 'irai'. It's like a bridge that starts at a big moment in the past and goes all the way to right now. You use it with a Noun (like 'Monday') or a Verb in the 'te-form' (like 'kite' for 'coming'). It helps you tell a story about how your life changed. Even though it's a bit more advanced, learning it early helps you sound more natural when talking about your experiences. Just remember: it's for things that are still happening or still true today. Don't use it for things that only happened once and finished. It's all about the 'long time' feel.

For A2 learners, 以来 (irai) becomes a tool to describe continuous states or habits. You've likely mastered the 'te-form', so now you can combine it with 'irai' to create more complex sentences. Instead of just saying 'I live in Tokyo,' you can say 'I have lived in Tokyo since I graduated university' (卒業して以来). This adds context and history to your speech. At this level, you should start noticing the difference between 'irai' and 'kara'. 'Kara' is like a simple arrow pointing away from a start time. 'Irai' is like a thick, solid line that represents the whole time between then and now. It’s often used in the phrase 'irai zutto' (ever since then, always). Try using it when talking about your hobbies or long-term situations. For example, 'Since I bought this guitar, I practice every day.' It shows that your action isn't just a one-time thing, but a meaningful part of your current life.

At the B1 level, you should focus on the formal and emotional nuances of 以来 (irai). It is frequently used in written Japanese, such as in news articles or formal letters, to provide historical context. You will see it used with nouns related to social or historical milestones, like '戦後以来' (since the post-war period) or '創業以来' (since the founding of the company). You should also be careful with the grammar of the second half of the sentence. The clause following 'irai' usually describes a state that has persisted. This means you'll often see negative verbs (e.g., 'haven't met since...') or verbs indicating a lasting change (e.g., 'became interested since...'). B1 learners should also distinguish 'irai' from 'ikou'. While both can mean 'since' or 'after,' 'ikou' is more objective and can be used for the future, whereas 'irai' is subjective and looks back from the present. Using 'irai' correctly at this level demonstrates a maturing grasp of Japanese temporal expressions.

By the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 以来 (irai) in a variety of registers, from professional business reports to more literary narratives. You should recognize that 'irai' often carries a nuance of 'nothing like this has happened since.' For instance, in a weather report, '観測以来の猛暑' means 'the most intense heat since records began.' This use of 'irai' as a benchmark is very common in journalism. You should also be aware of the 'te-form + irai' construction in more complex sentences where the 'state' being described is not just a simple action but a complex condition. For example, 'Since the new law was passed, the social atmosphere has changed' (法律が施行されて以来...). At this level, you should also understand how 'irai' can be used to emphasize the rarity or uniqueness of a situation. It’s not just about time; it’s about the significance of the period that has passed. You can also start using it to express personal transformations with more poetic weight, reflecting a deeper connection to the language's expressive potential.

For C1 learners, 以来 (irai) is a nuanced tool for precision in narrative and analytical writing. You should be able to analyze how 'irai' contributes to the 'cohesion' of a text, linking disparate events into a continuous timeline. You might encounter more obscure variations like '以来方' (iraikata) in classical or highly formal literature, though these are rare. A C1 learner should also be adept at using 'irai' to frame arguments—for example, 'Since the introduction of this technology, productivity has consistently risen.' Here, 'irai' establishes a causal link through temporal continuity. You should also understand the pragmatic constraints perfectly: why 'irai' would be inappropriate for a short duration or a future event, and how its use can subtly signal the speaker's perspective on the importance of the starting event. Your use of 'irai' should feel effortless, integrated into sentences that describe long-term sociological trends or complex psychological states, showing that you can handle the word's formal gravity and its ability to structure long spans of time.

At the C2 level, your understanding of 以来 (irai) should be indistinguishable from that of a native speaker, including an intuitive sense of its 'weight' in different contexts. You should be able to use it in high-level academic writing, legal documents, or sophisticated literature where the precise marking of time is crucial. You might use 'irai' to discuss long-term historical trajectories, such as 'Since the Meiji Restoration, Japan has undergone rapid modernization.' You should also be aware of how 'irai' can be used ironically or for rhetorical effect in speeches. Furthermore, you should have a complete grasp of its synonyms and their subtle differences—knowing exactly when 'irai' is superior to 'ikou', 'kara', or 'kono kata' based on the intended tone and the specific nature of the time period. At this level, 'irai' is not just a grammar point; it is a stylistic choice that helps you control the tempo and the emotional resonance of your Japanese, allowing you to convey not just 'when' something happened, but why that 'when' still matters today.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

以来 in 30 Seconds

以来 (irai) means 'since' or 'ever since' and highlights a continuous state from a past event to now.
It connects to nouns (e.g., 去年以来) or verbs in the 'te-form' (e.g., 食べて以来).
It is more formal than 'kara' and emphasizes that the situation hasn't changed throughout the period.
Commonly used for significant life changes, historical records, and long-term habits or absences.

The Japanese word 以来 (irai) is a sophisticated yet essential time marker that translates to 'since' or 'ever since' in English. While beginners often learn the particle から (kara) to express starting points, 以来 carries a much stronger nuance of continuity and significance. It suggests that from a specific moment in the past, a certain state or action has persisted without interruption right up until the present moment. This word is not just about a calendar date; it is about the bridge between a transformative event and the current reality of the speaker.

Temporal Continuity: Unlike 'kara', which simply marks a beginning, 'irai' emphasizes that the condition has remained unchanged or the action has been repeated consistently throughout the entire duration. If you say you have been studying Japanese 'irai' last year, it implies a steady, unbroken commitment.
Emotional Weight: This word is frequently used when discussing life-changing events—graduations, moving to a new country, or meeting someone special. It frames the time period as a distinct era in one's life, adding a layer of gravity to the sentence.

日本に来て以来、毎日が冒険です。(Since coming to Japan, every day has been an adventure.)

In daily conversation, you will hear 以来 used to explain long-term habits or persistent feelings. For example, if someone stopped eating meat after watching a documentary, they would use 以来 to mark that pivotal shift. It is particularly common in professional settings or formal writing where clarity regarding timelines is paramount. It serves as a formal anchor, grounding the narrative in a specific historical or personal milestone.

卒業以来、彼には一度も会っていません。(I haven't met him even once since graduation.)

The word is composed of two kanji characters: 以 (by means of / because of) and 来 (to come). Together, they literally suggest 'coming from that point.' This etymological roots help visualize the flow of time as a path moving toward the speaker from a fixed origin. Whether you are describing a streak of good luck or a period of hard work, 以来 provides the structural support to link your past to your present.

Formal Contexts: In business reports, you might see phrases like '創業以来' (since the company's founding), which highlights the tradition and longevity of an institution. It commands respect by showcasing a sustained effort over time.

先週の月曜日以来、雨が降り続いています。(It has been raining continuously since last Monday.)

Understanding 以来 is a key step in moving from basic Japanese to more expressive communication. It allows you to describe states of being rather than just isolated events. Instead of saying 'I started living here in January,' using 以来 allows you to say 'Since January, I have been living here,' focusing on the duration and the ongoing nature of your residence. This shift in perspective is vital for natural-sounding Japanese fluency.

Mastering the syntax of 以来 (irai) requires understanding its two primary connection patterns. It is remarkably consistent, making it a reliable tool for any learner's grammatical toolkit. The most common way to use it is following a noun that represents a specific time or an event that marks a point in time.

Pattern 1: Noun + 以来: When using a noun, the noun itself must imply a 'point' from which the 'since' period begins. Common nouns include '結婚' (marriage), '入社' (joining a company), or '三年前' (three years ago). Example: '結婚以来、私たちはこの町に住んでいます' (Since our marriage, we have lived in this town).
Pattern 2: Verb (Te-form) + 以来: This pattern is used when the starting point is an action. You must use the 'te-form' of the verb. This emphasizes the transition from that action into the current state. Example: '日本に来て以来' (Since coming to Japan...).

彼は大学を卒業して以来、ずっと海外で働いています。(Ever since he graduated from university, he has been working abroad.)

A crucial aspect of using 以来 correctly is the state of the following clause. Because 以来 indicates a period that continues until now, the following verb or phrase should describe a continuous state, a habitual action, or a negative state (something that hasn't happened). You cannot use it for a one-time event that happened in the middle of that period unless you are describing the lack of occurrence.

あの事件以来、彼は性格が変わってしまった。(Since that incident, his personality has completely changed.)

When combined with 'ずっと' (zutto), the meaning of 'ever since' is further emphasized, highlighting the lack of any break in the state. '以来ずっと' is a very common set phrase that adds a rhythmic and emotive quality to the sentence. It paints a picture of a straight, unbroken line from the past to the present. In writing, 以来 often appears at the beginning of a sentence or clause to set the scene, acting as a temporal frame for the information that follows.

Comparison with 'kara': While 'kara' is the general 'from,' 'irai' is more formal and specific to time. You can say 'from the station' using 'kara,' but never 'irai.' 'Irai' is strictly for the progression of time and the continuity of existence.

昨夜以来、何も食べていないのでお腹が空いています。(I haven't eaten anything since last night, so I'm hungry.)

In summary, the key to using 以来 is recognizing the 'starting event' and ensuring the 'resultant state' is continuous. Whether it's a noun like 'childhood' (子供の頃以来) or a verb like 'buying' (買って以来), the word 以来 serves as the connective tissue that explains why things are the way they are today based on what happened back then.

In the real world, 以来 (irai) is a staple of both formal media and heartfelt personal narratives. If you tune into a Japanese news broadcast, you will frequently hear reporters using 以来 to provide historical context for current events. They might say, 'This is the highest temperature recorded since records began' (観測以来) or 'This is the first time such an event has occurred since the war' (戦後以来). In these contexts, 以来 functions as a benchmark for significance.

News and Media: Used to compare current statistics with historical data. It provides a sense of scale, helping the audience understand if something is truly unusual or part of a long-standing trend.
Documentaries and Biographies: Narrators use 以来 to mark the turning points in a person's life or a country's history. It acts as a narrative hinge, moving the story from the 'before' to the 'after'.

１９９０年の創業以来、当社は品質を最優先してきました。(Since our founding in 1990, our company has prioritized quality.)

In the workplace, 以来 is used to discuss project timelines, client relationships, and company history. A manager might mention that a certain policy has been in place '以来 the merger,' or a salesperson might highlight that they have been working with a client '以来 their first product launch.' It conveys a sense of loyalty, stability, and long-term commitment that is highly valued in Japanese corporate culture.

あの映画を見て以来、宇宙に興味を持つようになりました。(Ever since I saw that movie, I've become interested in space.)

Socially, you'll hear 以来 when friends catch up after a long time. Phrases like 'How have you been since we last met?' (前回会って以来、どうしてた？) are common. It's also used in romantic or nostalgic contexts, such as 'I've loved you since the day we met' (出会った日以来). In these cases, 以来 adds a touch of poetic weight that 'kara' lacks. It makes the duration feel more meaningful and the connection more profound.

Advertising and Marketing: Slogans often use 以来 to emphasize tradition. '明治時代以来の味' (A taste since the Meiji era) suggests a product that has been loved for generations and has withstood the test of time.

三年前の入院以来、健康に気をつけるようになりました。(Since my hospitalization three years ago, I've started taking care of my health.)

Whether you are reading a historical novel, watching a late-night talk show, or attending a business meeting, 以来 is the word that connects the 'then' to the 'now.' It is a versatile tool that helps Japanese speakers navigate the complexities of time, history, and personal growth with precision and emotional depth.

While 以来 (irai) is a powerful word, it has specific constraints that can trip up even advanced learners. The most common mistake is using 以来 to describe a one-time event that happened in the past, rather than a continuous state. For example, you cannot say 'I ate sushi since I came to Japan' if you only ate it once. 以来 requires the following action to be ongoing or repeated.

Mistake 1: Non-Continuous Actions: Incorrect: 日本に来て以来、昨日京都に行きました。 (Since coming to Japan, I went to Kyoto yesterday.) Correct: 日本に来て以来、ずっと東京に住んでいます。 (Since coming to Japan, I have been living in Tokyo.) The 'going to Kyoto' is a single point in time, which clashes with the continuous nature of 'irai'.
Mistake 2: Future Starting Points: 以来 is strictly for looking back from the present. You cannot use it to say 'Since next week, I will start a diet.' For future starting points, use から (kara) or 以降 (ikou).

❌ 来週以来、毎日走ります。
✅ 来週から、毎日走ります。

Another frequent error is confusing 以来 with てから (te kara). While both can mean 'after doing something,' 'te kara' is much broader and doesn't necessarily imply that the state has continued uninterrupted until now. 'Te kara' is often used for sequences of events (Do A, then do B), whereas 以来 is for the lasting impact of an event.

❌ 宿題をして以来、ゲームをしました。
✅ 宿題をしてから、ゲームをしました。

Learners also sometimes forget the correct verb form. You must use the 'te-form' before 以来 when using a verb. Using the dictionary form or the past tense (ta-form) is grammatically incorrect. '卒業した以来' is wrong; it must be '卒業して以来'. This is because the 'te-form' acts as a bridge, connecting the action to the subsequent state.

Mistake 3: Short Timeframes: Using 以来 for trivial durations like 'since 10 minutes ago' (十分前以来) sounds unnatural unless the situation is extremely dramatic. For short, everyday durations, 'kara' is almost always the better choice. 以来 carries a weight of time that feels 'too heavy' for minor events.

❌ 五分前以来、待っています。
✅ 五分前から、待っています。

Finally, ensure that the second part of your sentence isn't a command or a request. You wouldn't say 'Since graduation, please be happy.' 以来 is used for describing facts and states, not for giving instructions or expressing future intentions. By keeping these rules in mind, you can avoid the common pitfalls and use 以来 with the precision of a native speaker.

To truly master 以来 (irai), it's helpful to compare it with other words that express 'since' or 'after'. The nuances between these terms are subtle but important for achieving natural fluency. The most common alternative is から (kara), which is the general-purpose word for 'from' or 'since'.

から (Kara) vs. 以来 (Irai): 'Kara' is casual and broad. It can be used for time, place, and reason. 'Irai' is specific to time and implies a continuous state. Use 'kara' for 'from the store' or 'since breakfast.' Use 'irai' for 'since the company was founded' or 'since I moved to Japan.'
以降 (Ikou): 'Ikou' means 'from [time] onwards.' While 'irai' looks back from the present, 'ikou' is more objective and can be used for the future. For example, 'From 3 PM onwards' is '三時以降'. It is often used in schedules and business announcements.

来週の月曜日以降、営業時間が変わります。(From next Monday onwards, business hours will change.)

Another related term is てから (te kara). This is used to indicate a sequence: 'After doing X, I did Y.' It doesn't necessarily mean the state has continued. If you say 'I watched TV after eating dinner,' you use 'te kara'. If you say 'Since eating dinner, I have felt sick,' you could use 'irai' to emphasize the ongoing sickness.

明治時代以来の伝統を守っています。(We are preserving a tradition [that has lasted] since the Meiji era.)

In more literary or formal contexts, you might encounter 以来方 (iraikata) or このかた (kono kata). These are very formal versions of 'irai' and are rarely used in daily conversation. 'Kono kata' is often used by older people or in very traditional settings to mean 'ever since [event] until now.' For example, 'Since I was born (生まれてこのかた), I have never left this village.'

以来 vs. 以来ずっと: Adding 'zutto' (always/all along) to 'irai' makes the continuity even more explicit. While 'irai' alone often implies continuity, 'irai zutto' leaves no room for doubt. It's like the difference between 'since then' and 'ever since then, without a single break.'

彼は入院して以来ずっと、本を読んでいます。(Ever since he was hospitalized, he has been reading books constantly.)

Understanding these alternatives allows you to choose the perfect word for the occasion. Whether you need the simplicity of 'kara', the futuristic outlook of 'ikou', or the formal weight of 'irai', knowing how they interact will significantly improve your expressive range in Japanese.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '来' (rai) originally depicted a wheat plant in ancient scripts, which was then borrowed for the sound of the word 'to come' because the two words sounded similar in old Chinese.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /i.ɾai/

US /i.ɾai/

Flat pitch (Heiban). Both 'i' and 'rai' are generally spoken with even emphasis.

Rhymes With

Mirai (future) Kirai (hate) Shirai (white/surname) Gurai (about) Nirai (paradise) Turai (painful) Karai (spicy) Arai (rough)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' with curled tongue.
Stretching the 'i' too long (like 'ee').
Misplacing the pitch accent by dropping it at the end.
Pronouncing 'rai' like 'ray'.
Failing to pronounce the 'i' clearly before the 'r'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common, but recognizing the 'te-form' connection is key.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct grammar (te-form) and understanding of continuity.

Speaking 3/5

Natural to use once you understand it's for 'significant since'.

Listening 2/5

Easy to hear, often used in news and stories.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

から (kara) 来る (kuru) て形 (te-form) ずっと (zutto) 前 (mae)

Learn Next

以降 (ikou) 以来方 (iraikata) 以来ずっと (irai zutto) 以来初めて (irai hajimete) 当初 (tousho)

Advanced

このかた (kono kata) 開闢以来 (kaibyaku irai) 有史以来 (yushi irai) 以来というもの (irai to iu mono) 以来の (irai no)

Grammar to Know

Verb-te + 以来

日本に来て以来、毎日納豆を食べている。

Noun + 以来

卒業以来、彼には会っていない。

それ以来

それ以来、彼は肉を食べなくなった。

以来の + Noun

十年以来の再会を喜んだ。

以来ずっと

朝から以来ずっと雨が降っている。

Examples by Level

月曜日以来、雨です。

It has been raining since Monday.

Noun (月曜日) + 以来

日本に来て以来、毎日楽しいです。

Since coming to Japan, every day is fun.

Verb Te-form (来て) + 以来

朝以来、何も食べていません。

I haven't eaten anything since morning.

Noun (朝) + 以来

三日前以来、彼を見ていません。

I haven't seen him since three days ago.

Noun (三日前) + 以来

この本を買って以来、毎日読んでいます。

Since buying this book, I read it every day.

Verb Te-form (買って) + 以来

先週以来、ずっと忙しいです。

I've been busy ever since last week.

Noun (先週) + 以来 + ずっと

病気になって以来、お酒を飲みません。

Since getting sick, I don't drink alcohol.

Verb Te-form (なって) + 以来

子供の時以来、ここに来ました。

I came here for the first time since I was a child.

Noun (子供の時) + 以来

大学を卒業して以来、彼に会っていません。

I haven't met him since graduating from university.

Verb Te-form (卒業して) + 以来

新しい仕事を始めて以来、とても忙しいです。

Since starting my new job, I've been very busy.

Verb Te-form (始めて) + 以来

あの映画を見て以来、宇宙が好きになりました。

Ever since I saw that movie, I've come to like space.

Verb Te-form (見て) + 以来

去年日本へ行って以来、日本語を勉強しています。

Since going to Japan last year, I've been studying Japanese.

Verb Te-form (行って) + 以来

引っ越して以来、一度も掃除をしていません。

I haven't cleaned even once since I moved.

Verb Te-form (引っ越して) + 以来

誕生日にカメラをもらって以来、写真を撮るのが趣味です。

Since getting a camera for my birthday, taking photos is my hobby.

Verb Te-form (もらって) + 以来

入院して以来、健康に気をつけています。

Since being hospitalized, I've been careful about my health.

Verb Te-form (入院して) + 以来

十年前以来の再会でした。

It was our first reunion since ten years ago.

Noun (十年前) + 以来

創業以来、このレストランは家族で経営されています。

Since its founding, this restaurant has been family-run.

Noun (創業) + 以来

あの事件以来、彼はあまり外出しなくなりました。

Since that incident, he hasn't gone out much.

Noun (事件) + 以来

結婚して以来、私たちは一度も喧嘩をしていません。

Since getting married, we haven't had a single fight.

Verb Te-form (結婚して) + 以来

そのニュースを聞いて以来、不安で眠れません。

Since hearing that news, I've been too anxious to sleep.

Verb Te-form (聞いて) + 以来

留学から帰国して以来、英語を使う機会がありません。

Since returning from studying abroad, I have no chance to use English.

Verb Te-form (帰国して) + 以来

先月の事故以来、車の運転が怖くなりました。

Since last month's accident, I've become afraid of driving.

Noun (事故) + 以来

この法律が施行されて以来、社会は大きく変わりました。

Since this law was enacted, society has changed significantly.

Verb Te-form (施行されて) + 以来

五年前の地震以来、備蓄を欠かしません。

Since the earthquake five years ago, I never fail to keep supplies.

Noun (地震) + 以来

観測以来、最も高い気温を記録しました。

The highest temperature since records began was recorded.

Noun (観測) + 以来

彼は入社以来、一貫して営業部門に所属しています。

Since joining the company, he has consistently belonged to the sales department.

Noun (入社) + 以来

その技術が開発されて以来、生産効率が飛躍的に向上しました。

Since that technology was developed, production efficiency has improved dramatically.

Verb Te-form (開発されて) + 以来

明治維新以来、日本の近代化は急速に進みました。

Since the Meiji Restoration, Japan's modernization has progressed rapidly.

Noun (明治維新) + 以来

彼女はデビュー以来、トップスターの座を守り続けています。

Since her debut, she has continued to hold the position of a top star.

Noun (デビュー) + 以来

新しい社長が就任して以来、社風が明るくなりました。

Since the new president took office, the company culture has become brighter.

Verb Te-form (就任して) + 以来

彼はあの挫折以来、何事にも慎重に取り組むようになった。

Since that setback, he has come to approach everything with caution.

Noun (挫折) + 以来

この伝統は数百年以来、途絶えることなく続いています。

This tradition has continued without interruption for hundreds of years.

Noun (数百年) + 以来

その哲学的理論が発表されて以来、学界では激しい論争が続いている。

Since that philosophical theory was published, intense debate has continued in academia.

Verb Te-form (発表されて) + 以来

戦後以来の経済改革により、国民の生活水準は劇的に改善された。

Due to economic reforms since the post-war era, the national standard of living has improved dramatically.

Noun (戦後) + 以来

彼は十年前のあの夜以来、ずっと罪悪感に苛まれている。

Since that night ten years ago, he has been tormented by guilt.

Noun (あの夜) + 以来

インターネットの普及以来、情報の伝達速度は計り知れないほど速くなった。

Since the spread of the internet, the speed of information transmission has become immeasurably fast.

Noun (普及) + 以来

その作家は処女作の出版以来、一貫して孤独というテーマを追求している。

Since the publication of their debut work, that author has consistently pursued the theme of loneliness.

Noun (出版) + 以来

気候変動の影響が顕著になって以来、環境保護への関心が高まっている。

Since the effects of climate change became prominent, interest in environmental protection has increased.

Verb Te-form (顕著になって) + 以来

彼はあの衝撃的な光景を目にして以来、沈黙を守り続けている。

Since witnessing that shocking sight, he has maintained his silence.

Verb Te-form (目にして) + 以来

その政権が誕生して以来、外交政策は大きな転換期を迎えている。

Since the birth of that administration, foreign policy has entered a major turning point.

Verb Te-form (誕生して) + 以来

有史以来、人類は常に未知の領域への探求を続けてきた。

Since the beginning of recorded history, humanity has always continued its quest into unknown territories.

Noun (有史) + 以来

その稀有な才能は、幼少期に開花して以来、衰えることを知らない。

That rare talent, since blossoming in childhood, has shown no signs of fading.

Verb Te-form (開花して) + 以来

この条約が締結されて以来、地域社会の安定は盤石なものとなった。

Since this treaty was concluded, the stability of the regional community has become rock-solid.

Verb Te-form (締結されて) + 以来

彼はあの未曾有の災害を経験して以来、人生観が根本から覆された。

Since experiencing that unprecedented disaster, his outlook on life has been overturned from its roots.

Verb Te-form (経験して) + 以来

その思想は、数世紀にわたって継承されて以来、今なお現代社会に強い影響を及ぼしている。

Since being passed down over several centuries, that ideology still exerts a strong influence on modern society.

Verb Te-form (継承されて) + 以来

彼女はその不慮の事故以来、車椅子生活を余儀なくされているが、不屈の精神を保っている。

Since that unfortunate accident, she has been forced to live in a wheelchair, but she maintains an indomitable spirit.

Noun (事故) + 以来

この地域は開発が始まって以来、急速な都市化の波に洗われている。

Since development began, this region has been washed over by a wave of rapid urbanization.

Verb Te-form (始まって) + 以来

その古文書が発見されて以来、歴史研究の定説が次々と塗り替えられている。

Since the discovery of that ancient document, the established theories of historical research are being rewritten one after another.

Verb Te-form (発見されて) + 以来

Synonyms

以降以後それから今にいたるまで

Antonyms

以前前

Common Collocations

創業以来

日本に来て以来

卒業以来

観測以来

結婚以来

入社以来

発売以来

入院以来

あの時以来

戦後以来

Common Phrases

以来ずっと

— Ever since then, without any break.

子供の時以来ずっとサッカーをしています。

それ以来

— Since then; after that happened.

それ以来、彼には会っていません。

去年以来

— Since last year.

去年以来、雨が少ないです。

出会って以来

— Since the day we met.

彼と出会って以来、毎日が楽しい。

今以来

— From now on (rare, usually 'kore kara' is used).

今以来、気をつけます。

数年前以来

— Since several years ago.

数年前以来、この店に通っています。

引退以来

— Since retirement.

引退以来、彼はのんびり暮らしている。

開店以来

— Since the shop opened.

開店以来、多くのお客さんが来ている。

帰国以来

— Since returning to one's country.

帰国以来、日本語を忘れてしまった。

事故以来

— Since the accident.

事故以来、彼は慎重になった。

Often Confused With

以来 vs から (kara)

Kara is broader; Irai is specific to time and continuity.

以来 vs 以降 (ikou)

Ikou is for 'from now on' or objective points; Irai is for 'since then' looking back.

以来 vs てから (te kara)

Te kara is for sequences; Irai is for lasting states.

Idioms & Expressions

"有史以来"

— Since the beginning of recorded history.

有史以来の発見だ。

Academic

"生まれてこのかた"

— Ever since I was born (emphasizing never having done something).

生まれてこのかた、一度も嘘をついたことがない。

Empatic

"古来より"

— From ancient times (similar to 'irai' but focusing on antiquity).

古来より、日本人は自然を愛してきた。

Formal

"開闢以来"

— Since the beginning of the world/creation.

開闢以来の快挙だ。

Literary

"建国以来"

— Since the founding of the nation.

建国以来、最大の危機だ。

Political

"創業以来の味"

— The flavor preserved since the founding (common in food marketing).

当店のカレーは創業以来の味です。

Marketing

"観測以来の猛暑"

— The most intense heat since records began.

今年は観測以来の猛暑だ。

News

"数十年以来の再会"

— A reunion after several decades.

彼とは数十年以来の再会だった。

Social

"それ以来というもの"

— Ever since that happened (more dramatic).

それ以来というもの、彼は心を閉ざした。

Literary

"明治維新以来"

— Since the Meiji Restoration (a historical benchmark).

明治維新以来、日本の教育は変わった。

Historical

Easily Confused

以来 vs 以降

Both mean 'after' or 'since'.

Irai looks back from now. Ikou is an objective point that can be in the future.

来週以降 (After next week) vs. 先週以来 (Since last week).

以来 vs 以後

Both relate to time following an event.

Igo is often used for 'from now on' or 'after that' in a more general sense.

以後、気をつけます (I'll be careful from now on).

以来 vs 直後

Both are time markers.

Chokugo means 'immediately after', focusing on the moment, not the duration.

食べた直後に寝た (I slept right after eating).

以来 vs 以来ずっと

Is 'zutto' necessary?

Irai implies continuity, but 'zutto' makes it explicit and more emphatic.

卒業以来 (Since graduation) vs. 卒業以来ずっと (Ever since graduation).

以来 vs から

Basic word for 'since'.

Kara can be used for space and reasons; Irai is only for time and is more formal.

駅から (From the station) - Correct. 駅以来 - Incorrect.

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] 以来、[State]。

月曜日以来、雨です。

[Verb-te] 以来、[Habit]。

カメラを買って以来、毎日写真を撮っています。

[Event] 以来、[Negative State]。

あの事故以来、車を運転していません。

[Noun] 以来、[Continuous Change]。

創業以来、品質は向上し続けている。

[Verb-te] 以来、[Complex State]。

新法が施行されて以来、社会の構造が変化した。

[Historical Point] 以来、[Long-term Trend]。

有史以来、人類は平和を求めてきた。

Any

それ以来、[Result]。

それ以来、ずっと彼を信じている。

Any

[Time] 以来の [Noun]。

十年以来の親友に会った。

Word Family

Nouns

以来 (irai) - since

来世 (raise) - next world

来客 (raikyaku) - guest

Verbs

来る (kuru) - to come

連れて来る (tsurete kuru) - to bring someone

以降 (ikou) - from... onwards

以前 (izen) - before

以後 (igo) - from now on

来年 (rainen) - next year

本来 (honrai) - originally

How to Use It

frequency

High in written news, formal speeches, and personal story-telling.

Common Mistakes

Using 以来 for future events. → 来週からダイエットをします。
以来 is only for looking back from the present. Use 'kara' for the future.
Using 'ta-form' before 以来. → 卒業して以来、彼に会っていない。
You must use the 'te-form' (shite), not the 'ta-form' (shita).
Using 以来 for one-time past events. → 日本に来てから、一度京都に行きました。
Since 'going to Kyoto' is a one-time event, 'irai' is inappropriate. Use 'kara'.
Using 以来 for very short durations. → 五分前から待っています。
For 5 minutes, 'irai' sounds too heavy. 'Kara' is more natural.
Using 以来 for physical space. → ここから駅まで歩きます。
以来 is strictly for time. For space ('from here'), always use 'kara'.

Tips

Always use Te-form

When using a verb before 以来, always use the -te form. For example, use 'kite' (come) instead of 'kuru' or 'kita'.

Significant Events

Reserve 以来 for events that feel important or have caused a lasting change in your life.

Pair with Zutto

To sound more like a native speaker, use 'irai zutto' to emphasize that a state has never stopped.

Business Reports

In professional writing, use 'Noun + 以来' to provide clear historical context for your data.

Avoid Future

Never use 以来 to talk about starting something next week. Use 'kara' for that.

News Clues

When you hear 'irai' in the news, expect to hear a record-breaking statistic or a long-standing tradition.

Kanji Meaning

Remember the kanji: 以 (from) + 来 (coming). Time is coming from that point.

Narrative Hinge

Use 以来 to mark the 'turning point' in your personal stories or essays.

No One-offs

Don't use 以来 for a single event that happened once in the past. It must be an ongoing state.

Irai vs Ikou

Use 以来 for looking back at the past and 以降 for objective time points or the future.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'I-RAI' as 'I-ARRIVE'. Since I arrived at a certain point, things have been this way.

Visual Association

Imagine a bridge. One side is the past event (e.g., graduation), and the bridge goes all the way to 'Now'. The bridge is labeled 'IRAI'.

Word Web

Time Continuity History Since Ever since Unbroken Past-to-Present Formal

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about yourself using 以来: one about your childhood, one about your hobbies, and one about your study of Japanese.

Word Origin

The word comes from Middle Chinese roots. '以' (i) means 'by means of' or 'taking', and '来' (rai) means 'to come'. Together, they describe time that 'comes' by means of a certain starting point.

Original meaning: Coming from a certain point in time.

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but using it for very trivial things can sound overly dramatic or sarcastic.

English speakers often use 'since' for both simple and significant events. In Japanese, 'irai' is the 'significant' version.

Many historical documentaries use '明治以来' (since Meiji) to explain modern Japan. The phrase '有史以来' is often used in sci-fi or epic anime to set a grand scale. Slogans for traditional sweets often feature '創業以来' to prove authenticity.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Talking about your stay in Japan.

日本に来て以来...
ここに住んで以来...
留学して以来...
日本に来て以来ずっと...

Discussing work history.

入社以来...
この仕事を始めて以来...
前の会社を辞めて以来...
就職して以来...

Sharing personal changes.

あの本を読んで以来...
彼と出会って以来...
病気になって以来...
あの事件以来...

News and Weather.

観測以来最高の...
戦後以来の...
創業以来...
発売以来...

Family and Relationships.

結婚して以来...
子供が生まれて以来...
卒業以来...
引越し以来...

Conversation Starters

"日本に来て以来、一番驚いたことは何ですか？"

"大学を卒業して以来、何か新しい趣味を始めましたか？"

"去年以来、ずっと続けていることはありますか？"

"この街に住んで以来、お気に入りの場所は見つかりましたか？"

"日本語を勉強し始めて以来、大変だったことは何ですか？"

Journal Prompts

日本に来て以来、自分の性格が変わったと思うところを書いてください。

子供の時以来、久しぶりにやったことや食べたものについて書いてください。

今の仕事を始めて以来、達成したことについて書いてください。

ある出来事以来、大切にしている考え方について書いてください。

今年が始まって以来、一番楽しかった思い出を詳しく書いてください。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, no. It sounds too heavy for trivial durations. Use 'kara' for short timeframes unless the event was life-changing.

Yes, if you are using a verb, it must be in the te-form (e.g., 食べて以来). If you use a noun, no special particle is needed between the noun and 以来.

It is neutral to formal. It's common in daily speech when talking about life events, but it's also very standard in business and news.

No. 以来 is strictly for looking back from the present. For future start times, use 'kara' or 'ikou'.

Te-kara is for a sequence of actions (A then B). Irai is for a state that started at A and continues until now.

Yes, '昨日以来' is common if you want to emphasize that something has been happening non-stop since yesterday.

Not at all. While 'irai' implies continuity, 'zutto' adds emphasis and is a very natural set phrase.

No. '卒業した以来' is incorrect. You must use the te-form: '卒業して以来'.

Yes, in the context of time. It can also appear in surnames or names, but as a grammar point, it always means 'since'.

Very often. Phrases like '創業以来' (since founding) or '入社以来' (since joining) are staples of professional communication.