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B1 adverb #3,500 most common 9 min read

从此

cóngcǐ Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 从此 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 从此 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to worry too much about using '从此' yet, as it is a bit more advanced. However, you can think of it as a special way to say 'starting now.' Imagine you are playing a game and you want to say 'From now on, I am the winner.' You might hear '从此' in very simple stories or cartoons. It is made of two parts: '从' (from) and '此' (this). So it means 'from this.' It is used when something changes and stays that way. For example, if a cat finds a home, the story might say '从此, the cat had a home.' It is like a 'start' button for a new situation. Just remember it comes at the beginning of the sentence to show that things are different now.

For A2 learners, '从此' (cóngcǐ) is a useful word to start recognizing in stories. It means 'from then on' or 'from now on.' You usually see it after a big event happens in a sentence. For example: 'He moved to a new city, and 从此 (from then on) he was happy.' It is more formal than '以后' (yǐhòu), which just means 'after.' When you use '从此,' you are telling the listener that the change is important and it lasted for a long time. You will often see it in the phrase '从此以后' (cóngcǐ yǐhòu). Try to notice it when you read simple Chinese fairy tales or graded readers. It helps you understand that a new chapter in the story has begun.

At the B1 level, you should begin using '从此' in your own writing and speaking to describe transitions. It is an adverb that marks a significant turning point. Unlike '然后' (then), which just lists events in order, '从此' indicates that the following state is a direct result of the previous event and that it continues indefinitely. It is very common in biographies: 'In 1990, he met his wife, and 从此 (from then on) his life changed.' You should also learn the negative form '从此不再' (from then on no longer). For example, '从此不再抽烟' (to stop smoking from then on). This word adds a narrative quality to your Chinese, making your descriptions of life changes sound more natural and sophisticated than just using '以后.'

B2 learners should master the nuances of '从此' (cóngcǐ) across different registers. In formal writing, such as news reports or academic history, '从此' marks the beginning of historical periods or the implementation of long-term policies. It functions as a cohesive device that links a cause to a lasting effect. You should be able to distinguish it from '尔后' (henceforth) and '自此' (from this). While '从此' is common in both speech and writing, '自此' is more literary. You should also be careful with word order; '从此' usually precedes the verb but can follow the subject. It is also used in emotional contexts to emphasize the finality of a situation, such as '从此天各一方' (from then on separated at opposite ends of the world), which is a common idiom for people losing touch forever.

At the C1 level, '从此' (cóngcǐ) should be used with precision to manage the 'flow' and 'weight' of your narrative. You should understand its rhetorical power in speeches and literature. It can be used to create a sense of 'inevitability' or 'fate.' For example, in a political speech, '从此' might be used to declare a point of no return. You should also explore its usage in classical-leaning modern prose where it might be paired with other monosyllabic words to create a rhythmic effect. Furthermore, C1 learners should recognize when '此' refers to a specific location ('from this place') rather than a time, though the temporal meaning is much more common. Mastery at this level involves knowing exactly when '从此' is too heavy for a casual context and when '以后' is too light for a formal one.

For C2 speakers, '从此' (cóngcǐ) is a tool for stylistic refinement. You should be able to analyze its use in classical Chinese literature where '此' functions as a versatile demonstrative pronoun. In modern high-level discourse, you can use '从此' to frame complex historical arguments, showing how a single event catalyzed a centuries-long trend. You should also be familiar with related four-character idioms and literary structures that incorporate '从此,' and be able to use them to evoke specific cultural motifs, such as the 'happily ever after' of folklore or the 'tragic separation' of classical poetry. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a structural element that helps define the 'temporal architecture' of your discourse, allowing for sophisticated manipulation of narrative time and perspective.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

从此 in 30 Seconds

从此 (cóngcǐ) means 'from now on' or 'from then on,' marking a permanent change.
It is an adverb usually placed before the verb or at the start of a clause.
Commonly used in stories, news, and formal resolutions to show a turning point.
Often paired with '不再' (no longer) to show a habit has stopped forever.

The Chinese adverb 从此 (cóngcǐ) is a powerful temporal marker that signifies a definitive turning point in a narrative or a person's life. It translates most commonly to 'from then on' or 'from now on,' depending on the temporal perspective of the speaker. In essence, it marks a boundary between the past and a new, continuous state of being or action. When you use 从此, you are telling your listener that something significant happened, and as a result, the situation changed permanently or for a very long duration.

The Literal Breakdown: The character 从 (cóng) means 'from' or 'since,' indicating a starting point. The character 此 (cǐ) is a formal way of saying 'this' or 'this time/place.' Together, they literally mean 'from this [point].'

他搬到了上海，从此开始了新的生活。(He moved to Shanghai, and from then on, he started a new life.)

In everyday conversation, you might hear this word when people are sharing life stories or explaining why they stopped doing something. However, it carries a slightly more formal or literary tone than the simple '以后' (yǐhòu). It is the classic ending of Chinese fairy tales, much like 'happily ever after' in English. It establishes a 'new normal' that follows a specific event. Whether that event is a graduation, a breakup, a move, or a sudden realization, 从此 serves as the bridge into the subsequent chapter of the story.

Narrative Function: In storytelling, this word acts as a fast-forward button. It tells the reader that the subsequent years followed the pattern established by the turning point, allowing the narrator to skip redundant details of the intervening years.

毕业那天，我们从此失去了联系。(On graduation day, we lost contact from then on.)

Understanding 从此 requires recognizing its permanence. If you say you will stop smoking '从此,' you aren't just saying you'll stop today; you are declaring a permanent change in your identity. It is often paired with words like '不再' (no longer) or '开始' (begin) to emphasize the shift in status. In business or formal announcements, it might be used to indicate when a new policy takes effect, lending the announcement a sense of gravity and finality that simpler time markers lack.

Usage Contexts: Commonly found in biographies, historical accounts, news reports regarding long-term changes, and emotional climaxes in novels or films.

他们从此过着幸福的生活。(They lived happily from then on.)

Using 从此 (cóngcǐ) correctly involves understanding its placement and the logical relationship between the clauses. It is almost always used to connect two events: an 'event A' (the cause or turning point) and an 'event B' (the ongoing result). The word 从此 usually starts the description of event B. It can stand alone at the beginning of a sentence or immediately follow the subject of the second clause.

Structure 1: Event A, 从此 Event B: In this structure, the first clause sets the scene. Example: '他去了美国，从此再也没回来。' (He went to America, and from then on, he never came back.)

那次事故后，他从此变得很沉默。(After that accident, he became very silent from then on.)

When using 从此 to mean 'from now on' (referring to the future from the present moment), it often appears in resolutions or promises. For instance, '从此以后，我要努力学习' (From now on, I will study hard). While '从此以后' is more common in spoken Chinese for 'from now on,' 从此 alone is perfectly acceptable and adds a touch of resolve. It is important to note that the verb following 从此 usually describes a state that lasts or a repeated action, rather than a one-time event.

Structure 2: Subject + 从此 + Verb Phrase: This structure places the emphasis on the subject's change. Example: '她从此努力工作。' (She worked hard from then on.)

有了这笔钱，他们从此摆脱了贫困。(With this money, they escaped poverty from then on.)

A common mistake is using 从此 for a short-term change. 从此 implies a long-term or permanent shift. For example, you wouldn't say '从此我去了超市' (From then on I went to the supermarket) if you only went once. It must describe a habit, a condition, or a lack thereof (using '不再'). Additionally, 从此 can sometimes be replaced by '从这以后' (cóng zhè yǐhòu) in very informal contexts, but 从此 remains the most versatile choice for both writing and speech.

Common Pairing: 从此不再 (Never again from then on): This is a very frequent collocation used to describe the cessation of an action or habit. Example: '他从此不再抽烟了。' (He stopped smoking from then on.)

经过那次教训，他从此做事非常小心。(After that lesson, he acted very carefully from then on.)

You will encounter 从此 (cóngcǐ) in various settings, ranging from the poetic to the practical. It is a staple of storytelling. If you watch Chinese dramas or read novels, 从此 often signals a 'time skip' or a major shift in a character's destiny. For example, after a protagonist gains a superpower or suffers a great loss, the narrator will use 从此 to describe their new path. It creates a sense of epic scale, suggesting that the event mentioned was the most important moment in that period of time.

In Literature and Fairy Tales: The phrase '从此，他们过上了幸福快乐的生活' (From then on, they lived a happy and joyful life) is the equivalent of 'And they lived happily ever after.'

王子和公主结婚了，从此生活在美丽的城堡里。(The prince and princess married and from then on lived in a beautiful castle.)

In news reporting and historical documentaries, 从此 is used to mark significant societal changes. When a treaty is signed or a new law is passed, journalists use this word to indicate the beginning of a new era. For instance, '从此，该地区进入了和平时期' (From then on, the region entered a period of peace). In these contexts, it carries an air of authority and historical weight. It isn't just a casual 'after that'; it implies a fundamental change in the state of affairs.

In Personal Conversations: While slightly formal, people use it to emphasize the impact of a personal decision. '我从此再也不吃肉了' (I will never eat meat again from now on) sounds more committed than '我不吃肉了.'

他戒了酒，从此身体越来越好。(He quit drinking, and from then on, his health got better and better.)

You will also find 从此 in motivational speeches and self-help literature. It is used to inspire change. '从此改变你的命运' (Change your destiny from now on) is a common slogan. The word itself carries a psychological weight of 'starting fresh.' In a professional setting, a manager might say, '从此以后，我们的工作流程将更加透明' (From now on, our workflow will be more transparent), setting a clear expectation for future behavior.

遇见你，我的人生从此有了意义。(Meeting you, my life has had meaning from then on.)

One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing 从此 (cóngcǐ) with 以后 (yǐhòu) or 然后 (ránhòu). While all three relate to time, their functions are distinct. 然后 means 'and then' or 'afterwards' in a sequence of events (Step 1, then Step 2). 以后 is a general term for 'after' or 'in the future.' 从此 specifically emphasizes a *starting point* that leads to a *continuous* state or a *permanent* change.

Mistake 1: Using it for a simple sequence: Incorrect: 我吃了饭，从此去散步。 (I ate, and from then on I went for a walk - this implies you walked forever). Correct: 我吃了饭，然后去散步。

错误：他买了一本书，从此看了它。(He bought a book, and from then on he read it - sounds like he never stopped reading it). 正确：他买了一本书，然后看了它。

Another common mistake is the placement of 从此. As an adverb, it should come before the verb or the entire clause, but never at the very end of a sentence like 'from now on' can in English. In English, we say 'I will work hard from now on.' In Chinese, you cannot say '我会努力工作从此.' You must say '从此我会努力工作' or '我从此会努力工作.'

Mistake 2: Incorrect Word Order: Learners often place '从此' at the end of the sentence because of English influence. Always place it before the action starts.

错误：不要再骗我从此。正确：从此不要再骗我。(From now on, don't lie to me again.)

Finally, learners sometimes forget that 从此 implies a 'this' (the '此'). If there is no clear event or time point mentioned previously in the conversation or text, 从此 can feel abrupt. It needs a reference point. If you just walk up to someone and say '从此我很快乐' (From then on I was happy), they will ask, 'From when?' Always ensure the 'this' (此) refers to a clear moment or situation already established.

错误：他两点钟到了，从此三点钟离开了。(He arrived at 2, and from then on left at 3 - illogical). 正确：他两点钟到了，三点钟离开了。

To truly master 从此 (cóngcǐ), you must see how it fits into the ecosystem of Chinese temporal markers. While 从此 is versatile, other words might be more precise depending on the formality and the specific 'starting point' you are referencing.

从此 vs. 从今以后 (cóngjīn yǐhòu): 从今以后 literally means 'from today onwards.' It is specifically restricted to the future from the current moment. 从此 can refer to the future OR a past event's 'future.'

If you are narrating a story about the 19th century, you cannot use '从今以后' to describe what happened after a treaty, because '今' refers to 'today.' You must use 从此 or 从那时起 (cóng nà shí qǐ - from that time on). 从此 is more concise and slightly more formal than '从那时起.'

从此 vs. 以后 (yǐhòu): 以后 is the most general term. It can mean 'later,' 'after,' or 'in the future.' It doesn't necessarily emphasize the transition point as strongly as 从此 does.

Example: '他毕业以后去了北京' (After graduating, he went to Beijing - simple sequence) vs. '他毕业了，从此在北京定居' (He graduated, and from then on settled in Beijing - emphasizes the start of a permanent stay).

从此 vs. 尔后 (ěrhòu): 尔后 is a very formal, literary word meaning 'henceforth' or 'thereafter.' You will mostly find it in legal documents or ancient texts. It is much rarer than 从此 in modern speech.

Another alternative is 自此 (zìcǐ), which is almost identical to 从此 but slightly more formal or 'written.' In most cases, they are interchangeable, but 从此 is the standard choice for most learners and native speakers alike. When you want to specify 'from now on' in a very casual way, you might just say '以后...' (In the future...).

从此 (cóngcǐ): The bridge between a moment and an era.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '此' (cǐ) is actually composed of '止' (zhǐ - to stop) and '人' (rén - person). It originally meant 'the place where a person stops,' hence 'this place' or 'here.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tsʰʊŋ˧˥ tsʰɨ˧˩/

US /tsʊŋ˧˥ tsɪ˧˩/

The stress is balanced, but the low-dipping tone on 'cǐ' often makes it sound slightly more emphasized at the end of the word.

Rhymes With

从 (cóng) rhymes with: 红 (hóng), 龙 (lóng), 动 (dòng - partial) 此 (cǐ) rhymes with: 止 (zhǐ), 市 (shì - near), 死 (sǐ)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'c' as 'k' (it should be 'ts').
Missing the aspiration (the puff of air) on the 'c'.
Failing to rise enough on the second tone of 'cóng'.
Not dipping low enough on the third tone of 'cǐ'.
Confusing 'cǐ' with 'qǐ'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts as it usually appears at clause boundaries.

Writing 3/5

Requires understanding of narrative flow and correct placement before the verb.

Speaking 3/5

Slightly formal, but very effective for telling stories or making resolutions.

Listening 2/5

The 'ts' sounds are distinct, making it relatively easy to catch.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

从此以后然后开始

Learn Next

既然即便从而于是因此

Advanced

尔后自此由此可见此致特此

Grammar to Know

Adverbial Placement

从此 (Adverb) + 努力 (Verb) = 从此努力

Temporal Reference

此 refers back to the event in the previous clause.

Aspectual Constraint

The verb following '从此' must be durative or habitual.

Negative Structure

从此 + 不再 + Verb

Redundancy for Emphasis

从此以后 (Adding '以后' for rhythmic or emphatic purposes).

Examples by Level

从此，他很快乐。

From then on, he was very happy.

从此 is at the start of the sentence.

从此，小猫有了家。

From then on, the kitten had a home.

Shows the start of a new situation.

从此，我不喝牛奶。

From now on, I don't drink milk.

Indicates a permanent change in habit.

从此，他们是朋友。

From then on, they were friends.

Describes a lasting relationship.

从此以后，我要学习。

From now on, I will study.

从此以后 is a common longer version.

从此，这里很安静。

From then on, it was very quiet here.

Describes a state of a place.

从此，他天天跑步。

From then on, he ran every day.

Shows a repeated action starting from a point.

从此，我不吃肉了。

From now on, I don't eat meat anymore.

The '了' at the end shows a change of state.

他搬了家，从此住在大城市。

He moved, and from then on lived in a big city.

Connects a past action to a new long-term state.

从此，他再也不迟到了。

From then on, he was never late again.

再也不 (never again) is often used with 从此.

他们结婚了，从此生活在一起。

They got married, and from then on lived together.

Common narrative usage.

从此以后，你要听老师的话。

From now on, you must listen to the teacher.

Used for giving instructions or advice.

他找到了工作，从此有了收入。

He found a job, and from then on had an income.

Shows a significant change in status.

从此，他每天都努力工作。

From then on, he worked hard every day.

Modifies the entire subsequent action.

那次旅游后，他从此爱上了摄影。

After that trip, he fell in love with photography from then on.

Shows when a hobby or passion started.

从此，这个秘密没人知道。

From then on, no one knew this secret.

Describes a state of knowledge.

他决定辞职，从此开始自主创业。

He decided to resign and from then on started his own business.

Indicates a major career transition.

从此以后，我们再也没有见过面。

From then on, we never saw each other again.

Emphasizes a permanent separation.

自从买了车，他从此告别了挤公交的日子。

Since buying a car, he said goodbye to the days of crowding onto buses from then on.

Uses 从此 to mark the end of an era.

他受到了表扬，从此学习更有动力了。

He was praised, and from then on, he was more motivated in his studies.

Links an emotional event to a change in behavior.

从此，中国进入了一个新的发展阶段。

From then on, China entered a new stage of development.

Formal usage in historical or economic context.

他改掉了坏习惯，从此变成了一个诚实的人。

He broke his bad habits and from then on became an honest person.

Describes a fundamental character change.

从此，他不再把时间浪费在无意义的事情上。

From then on, he no longer wasted time on meaningless things.

从此不再 is a key B1 pattern.

从此以后，公司实行了新的管理制度。

From then on, the company implemented a new management system.

Indicates the start of a policy.

由于那场误会，他们从此分道扬镳。

Due to that misunderstanding, they went their separate ways from then on.

Uses an idiom (分道扬镳) with 从此.

从此，他便全身心地投入到科学研究中。

From then on, he devoted himself heart and soul to scientific research.

从此...便 is a common literary structure.

这次失败让他深受打击，从此一蹶不振。

This failure dealt him a heavy blow, and he never recovered from then on.

Uses the idiom 一蹶不振 (unable to recover after a setback).

从此，这片土地再也没有发生过战争。

From then on, war never broke out on this land again.

Formal, historical tone.

他从此隐姓埋名，过起了平淡的生活。

He went into hiding under an assumed name from then on, living a simple life.

Describes a drastic lifestyle change.

从此以后，该项政策成为了法律的一部分。

From then on, the policy became part of the law.

Legal/administrative context.

他在比赛中受伤，从此告别了体育生涯。

He was injured in the game and said goodbye to his sports career from then on.

Marks a permanent end to a career.

从此，他不再对任何人抱有幻想。

From then on, he no longer harbored illusions about anyone.

Describes a change in internal perspective.

条约签署后，两国从此结为盟友。

After the treaty was signed, the two countries became allies from then on.

Diplomatic and formal context.

从此，这一艺术流派在国际上声名鹊起。

From then on, this art movement gained international fame.

Uses the idiom 声名鹊起 (become famous suddenly).

他看透了世俗，从此遁入空门。

He saw through the world and from then on entered a monastery.

Uses the literary phrase 遁入空门 (become a monk/nun).

这一发现从此改变了人类对宇宙的认知。

This discovery changed humanity's understanding of the universe from then on.

Academic and philosophical weight.

从此，他的作品中多了一份忧郁的色彩。

From then on, a touch of melancholy appeared in his works.

Analyzing artistic style over time.

从此以后，该地区的生态环境得到了显著改善。

From then on, the ecological environment of the region improved significantly.

Environmental/Scientific reporting.

他从此致力于慈善事业，直至生命终结。

He devoted himself to charity from then on until the end of his life.

Describes a lifelong commitment.

从此，这个古老的传说便流传了下来。

From then on, this ancient legend was passed down.

Classic narrative opening/closing.

从此，他便与那尘世的纷扰彻底绝缘。

From then on, he was completely insulated from the turmoils of the mundane world.

High-level literary style using '尘世' and '绝缘'.

那一别，竟成了永诀，两人从此天人永隔。

That parting turned out to be final; the two were separated by life and death from then on.

Uses the idiom 天人永隔 (separated by death).

从此，该家族在政坛上的影响力便日渐式微。

From then on, the family's influence in politics gradually declined.

Uses the formal term 日渐式微 (to decline day by day).

他从此笔耕不辍，终成一代文学大师。

He wrote tirelessly from then on, eventually becoming a literary master of his generation.

Uses the idiom 笔耕不辍 (to write without stopping).

从此，人类文明迈向了星际探索的新纪元。

From then on, human civilization stepped into a new era of interstellar exploration.

Grand, epic scale.

他从此洗心革面，力图弥补往日的过错。

He turned over a new leaf from then on, striving to make up for past mistakes.

Uses the idiom 洗心革面 (to reform oneself thoroughly).

从此，这道鸿沟便横亘在两代人之间。

From then on, this chasm lay between the two generations.

Metaphorical usage for social or psychological gaps.

从此，他再也没有涉足过那片伤心地。

From then on, he never set foot in that place of sorrow again.

Uses '涉足' (set foot in) and '伤心地' (place of sorrow).

Common Collocations

从此不再

从此开始

从此以后

从此消失

从此过上

从此改变

从此踏上

从此告别

从此定居

从此结下

Common Phrases

从此以往

— From this point forward. Used in formal or older texts.

从此以往，莫敢不从。

从此绝迹

— To disappear or go extinct from that point on.

这种动物从此绝迹了。

从此以后再也不

— Never ever again from that point on. Very emphatic.

我从此以后再也不相信他了。

从此销声匿迹

— To disappear from the public eye forever from that point on.

那位歌星从此销声匿迹了。

从此天各一方

— To be separated forever in different places.

毕业后，我们从此天各一方。

从此一刀两断

— To break off a relationship completely from then on.

我和他从此一刀两断。

从此走红

— To become famous from that moment on.

她因为那部电影从此走红。

从此结缘

— To form a bond or connection from then on.

他从此与中国结缘。

从此无忧

— To have no more worries from then on.

有了保障，从此无忧。

从此成名

— To become famous from that point on.

他从此成名于世。

Often Confused With

从此 vs 然后

然后 is for a sequence (first this, then that). 从此 is for a permanent starting point.

从此 vs 以后

以后 is general 'after.' 从此 is specific 'from this point forward and staying that way.'

从此 vs 后来

后来 means 'afterwards' and refers only to past events. 从此 can refer to the future.

Idioms & Expressions

"从此以后"

— From now on / From then on. The most standard 4-character version.

从此以后，他再也没迟到过。

Neutral

"从此天人永隔"

— Separated by life and death forever from that point on.

那场车祸后，他们从此天人永隔。

Literary/Sorrowful

"从此销声匿迹"

— To vanish without a trace from then on.

他退役后从此销声匿迹。

Formal

"从此一蹶不振"

— To never recover after a single setback from then on.

公司破产后，他从此一蹶不振。

Formal

"从此分道扬镳"

— To go separate ways/break up from then on.

两人政见不合，从此分道扬镳。

Formal

"从此隐姓埋名"

— To live in anonymity from then on.

为了躲避仇家，他从此隐姓埋名。

Literary

"从此音讯全无"

— No news or contact at all from then on.

他去了海外，从此音讯全无。

Neutral

"从此洗心革面"

— To thoroughly reform oneself from then on.

出狱后，他从此洗心革面。

Formal

"从此脱胎换骨"

— To undergo a complete transformation from then on.

经过训练，他从此脱胎换骨。

Formal

"从此海阔天空"

— To have boundless prospects or feel free from then on.

放下包袱，从此海阔天空。

Literary

Easily Confused

从此 vs 从此

Both involve time and 'this.'

从此 is an adverb meaning 'from now/then on.' 从此 is not a noun phrase.

从此他再也没来过。

从此 vs 此时

Both contain '此' (this).

此时 means 'at this moment,' while 从此 means 'from this moment forward.'

此时此刻，我很激动。

从此 vs 此后

Almost identical meaning.

此后 is slightly more formal and often used as a conjunction 'after this.' 从此 is more common as an adverb.

此后，他去过很多地方。

从此 vs 从此以后

Redundancy.

It is just a longer version of 从此. Both are correct and interchangeable.

从此以后，我再也不骗你了。

从此 vs 所以

Both connect two clauses.

所以 shows cause and effect. 从此 shows a temporal turning point (which often implies cause, but focuses on time).

因为下雨，所以我没去。

Sentence Patterns

从此，[Subject]很[Adjective]。

从此，他很快乐。

[Event], 从此[Subject]不再[Verb]。

他生病了，从此不再抽烟。

[Event], 从此以后[Subject]开始[Verb]。

他毕业了，从此以后开始工作。

从此，[Subject]便[Verb Phrase]。

从此，他便致力于科学研究。

从此，[Abstract Subject]发生了[Adjective]的变化。

从此，局势发生了显著的变化。

[Event], 两人从此[Idiom]。

那一别，两人从此天人永隔。

从此，[Subject]走上了...的道路。

从此，他走上了艺术的道路。

从此，这里[Verb]。

从此，这里变得很安静。

Word Family

从此以往

自此

尔后

此后

今后

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in written stories, news, and formal speech. Moderately common in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

Using '从此' for a one-time event in a sequence. → 使用 '然后' 或 '以后'。
从此 implies a lasting state. If you just did one thing after another, use 然后.
Placing '从此' at the end of the sentence. → 放在动词前面或句首。
In Chinese, temporal adverbs must precede the verb they modify.
Using '从此' without a prior context or event. → 先描述一个事件，再用从此。
The '此' (this) needs a reference point to make sense.
Confusing '从此' with '后来'. → 后来 only refers to the past; 从此 can refer to the future.
后来 means 'later on' (past only). 从此 means 'from then/now on.'
Using '从此' for very short-term changes. → 使用 '接着' 或 '然后'。
从此 sounds too grand for a change that only lasts five minutes.

Tips

Placement

Always place '从此' before the verb. It acts as an adverbial modifier for the entire following state.

The 'Happily Ever After' Ending

Memorize '从此过上了幸福的生活' to recognize the classic Chinese story ending.

The Turning Point

Make sure there is a clear event before '从此' so the listener knows what 'this' refers to.

Pair with '不再'

Use '从此不再' to describe breaking habits forever. It's a very common and useful pattern.

Resolve

Use '从此' when you want to sound determined about a change in your life.

Tone Recognition

Focus on the rising tone of 'cóng' followed by the dipping 'cǐ' to distinguish it from '同时'.

Formal Reports

Use '从此' in business reports to indicate when new policies or results began.

Literary Feel

Using '从此' instead of '以后' makes your storytelling sound more professional and poetic.

Interchangeability

Know that '从此' and '从此以后' are basically the same; choose based on the rhythm of your sentence.

Avoid Sequence Errors

Don't use '从此' for a list of one-time steps. Use '然后' for that.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Cóng' as a 'CONG-a line' starting 'FROM' a specific person. 'Cǐ' sounds like 'SEE.' So, 'From (cóng) the moment you see (cǐ) the change, everything is different.'

Visual Association

Imagine a road with a massive signpost in the middle. Before the sign, the road is dirt; after the sign, it is paved gold. The signpost is '从此'.

Word Web

从 (From) 此 (This) 以后 (After) 开始 (Begin) 不再 (No longer) 改变 (Change) 生活 (Life) 命运 (Destiny)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about big changes in your life (e.g., learning Chinese, moving, a new job) using '从此' to connect the event to the result.

Word Origin

The word '从此' is a compound of two classical Chinese characters. '从' (cóng) originally depicted two people following each other, signifying 'to follow' or 'from.' '此' (cǐ) is a demonstrative pronoun meaning 'this.' Together, they have been used since ancient times to indicate a temporal or spatial starting point.

Original meaning: From this [time/place].

Sino-Tibetan (Sinitic)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but using it for trivial, short-term changes might sound overly dramatic or grammatically odd.

The English equivalent 'from then on' is often used in storytelling. '从此' carries a similar weight but is slightly more common in formal writing than its English counterpart.

The classic ending of Chinese fairy tales: '从此，他们过上了幸福快乐的生活。' Used in historical texts to describe the founding of dynasties. Common in lyrics of romantic Mandopop songs to express eternal devotion.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Storytelling

从此过上幸福生活
从此失去了联系
从此改变了命运
从此销声匿迹

Personal Resolutions

从此不再抽烟
从此努力学习
从此早睡早起
从此做一个好人

History/News

从此进入新时代
从此宣告独立
从此走向繁荣
从此结束了战争

Business/Policy

从此实行新规定
从此加强管理
从此提高效率
从此扩大规模

Relationships

从此成为朋友
从此断绝往来
从此形影不离
从此天各一方

Conversation Starters

"你有没有哪个时刻，让你的人生从此发生了改变？ (Is there a moment that changed your life from then on?)"

"如果你从此以后再也不能用手机，你会怎么办？ (If you could never use a phone again from now on, what would you do?)"

"哪本书让你从此爱上了阅读？ (Which book made you fall in love with reading from then on?)"

"你觉得从此以后，人工智能会取代人类的工作吗？ (Do you think from now on, AI will replace human jobs?)"

"从此以后，你最想坚持的一个好习惯是什么？ (What is the one good habit you most want to stick to from now on?)"

Journal Prompts

写一写你决定学习中文的那一天，从此你的生活有了什么变化？ (Write about the day you decided to learn Chinese; how has your life changed since then?)

描述一个历史事件，并说明从此以后世界发生了怎样的改变。 (Describe a historical event and explain how the world changed from then on.)

写一段童话故事的结尾，用‘从此’来描述主人公的生活。 (Write the ending of a fairy tale, using '从此' to describe the protagonist's life.)

如果你可以从此不再担心钱的问题，你会去做什么？ (If you could never worry about money again from now on, what would you do?)

反思一个你改掉的坏习惯，写写你从此以后的感受。 (Reflect on a bad habit you broke and write about how you've felt from then on.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, if you are narrating a story. For example, 'Yesterday he found a dog, and 从此 (from then on) they were best friends.' It marks the start of the friendship starting from yesterday.

Yes, it is one of the most accurate translations for 'from now on' in Chinese, especially when you want to sound firm or formal.

No. Unlike English where you can say 'I will be good from now on,' in Chinese, '从此' must come before the action, usually at the start of the clause.

'从今以后' specifically means 'from today onwards.' You cannot use it to talk about a past turning point in a history book. '从此' can be used for both past and future.

It is a bit formal, but not weird. If you are making a dramatic promise like 'I'll never eat your snacks again,' using '从此' adds a funny level of seriousness.

Rarely. In modern Chinese, it is almost exclusively temporal (time). For space ('from here'), you would say '从这里' or '从此地'.

Yes, it is very common when announcing new rules or changes in office procedures.

Not always. If it's a short clause like '他从此努力了,' you don't need one. If it's at the start of a long sentence, a comma is usually used for clarity.

Usually no. '过' indicates a past completed action, while '从此' indicates a continuing state. You would use '从此' with '了' to show a change in state.

They both use '此' (this). '从此' is 'from this [time],' while '因此' is 'because of this [reason].'