自…以来
ever since …
Structure
自／自从 时间点 以来 ， 一直 …
What it means
Ever since a point in the past, up to now. The main clause describes something that has continued through that whole period.
How it is built
自／自从 + time point + 以来，(subject) + 一直 + ongoing state: 自去年以来，他一直在准备考试 (Since last year he has been preparing for the exam). With a length of time: 三年以来.
When to use it
Written; common in news and reports: 自改革开放以来. 自从 is less formal, and 从…以后 is the everyday form. The period runs right up to now.
Watch out
The start must be a past point, not the future: ✗ 自明天以来 ✓ 从明天开始. A length of time takes no 自: ✗ 自三年以来 ✓ 三年以来.
Examples
自改革开放以来，中国经济保持了几十年的高速增长。
Ever since reform and opening up, China’s economy has kept growing fast.
自去年以来，他一直在准备考试。
Since last year he has been preparing for the exam.
Learn this in Lesson 51 · HSK 6: 改革开放 (Reform and opening up)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. This lesson is free.
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