由…而来
to come from …; to have developed out of …
Structure
A 由 来源 动词 而来
What it means
To come from …; to have developed out of …: traces something back to its origin.
How it is built
A + 由 + source + verb + 而来: 这个词是由英语翻译而来的 (This word was translated from English).
When to use it
Formal and written; plain speech says 是从…来的. The verb in the slot says how: 演变而来 (evolved), 发展而来 (developed), 翻译而来 (translated), 改编而来 (adapted). Set phrase: 由此而来 (hence).
Watch out
Here 由 marks the source, so don’t swap in 被: ✗ 这个词被英语翻译而来 ✓ 这个词由英语翻译而来.
Examples
两种字体由同一个来源演变而来。
The two forms evolved from the same source.
这个词是由英语翻译而来的。
This word was translated from English.
Learn this in Lesson 82 · HSK 6–7: 汉字的演变 (How the characters evolved)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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