For learners of the Chinese language, prepositions can often be a challenging aspect to master. One particularly versatile preposition is “从” (cóng). Understanding how to use “从” correctly can significantly enhance your ability to construct meaningful sentences. This article will explore the various uses of “从” and provide examples to help you integrate this preposition into your everyday Chinese vocabulary.
The Basics of 从
In Mandarin Chinese, “从” is a preposition that typically means “from” or “since.” It is used to indicate the starting point in terms of time, location, or origin. Here are some of the basic contexts in which “从” is used:
1. **Location**: To indicate the starting point of a movement or action.
2. **Time**: To specify the starting point of a period.
3. **Source**: To denote the origin of something.
4. **Perspective**: To express a point of view or standpoint.
Location: Starting Point of Movement
When “从” is used to indicate the starting point of a movement, it is often translated as “from” in English. For example:
– 我**从**北京到上海。 (Wǒ cóng Běijīng dào Shànghǎi.) – I travel **from** Beijing to Shanghai.
– 她每天**从**家到公司。 (Tā měitiān cóng jiā dào gōngsī.) – She goes **from** home to the company every day.
In these sentences, “从” specifies the point of origin, indicating where the movement begins.
Time: Specifying the Starting Point
“从” is also used to denote the starting point in terms of time. In this context, it can often be translated as “since” or “from.” For example:
– 我**从**早上开始工作。 (Wǒ cóng zǎoshang kāishǐ gōngzuò.) – I start working **from** the morning.
– **从**去年开始，他学习中文。 (Cóng qùnián kāishǐ, tā xuéxí zhōngwén.) – **Since** last year, he has been studying Chinese.
These sentences illustrate how “从” marks the beginning of an action or event in relation to time.
Source: Origin of Something
Another use of “从” is to indicate the source or origin of something. For example:
– 这封信**从**美国寄来的。 (Zhè fēng xìn cóng Měiguó jì lái de.) – This letter was sent **from** the United States.
– 礼物是**从**朋友那里收到的。 (Lǐwù shì cóng péngyǒu nàlǐ shōudào de.) – The gift was received **from** a friend.
Here, “从” specifies where something originates or comes from.
Perspective: Point of View or Standpoint
“从” can also be used to express a point of view or standpoint. This usage is often seen in more abstract or complex sentences. For example:
– **从**我的角度来看，这个计划很好。 (Cóng wǒ de jiǎodù lái kàn, zhège jìhuà hěn hǎo.) – **From** my perspective, this plan is very good.
– 我们需要**从**长远的眼光考虑问题。 (Wǒmen xūyào cóng chángyuǎn de yǎnguāng kǎolǜ wèntí.) – We need to consider the issue **from** a long-term perspective.
In these sentences, “从” is used to introduce a particular viewpoint or way of thinking.
Combining 从 with Other Prepositions
In Chinese, it is common to combine “从” with other prepositions to convey more specific meanings. Some common combinations include “从…到…” (cóng… dào…) and “从…起…” (cóng… qǐ…).
从…到… (From… to…)
This structure is used to indicate a range or span, whether in terms of time, location, or other dimensions. For example:
– 我**从**北京**到**上海。 (Wǒ cóng Běijīng dào Shànghǎi.) – I travel **from** Beijing **to** Shanghai.
– **从**早上**到**晚上，他一直在工作。 (Cóng zǎoshang dào wǎnshang, tā yīzhí zài gōngzuò.) – **From** morning **to** evening, he has been working continuously.
In these examples, “从…到…” specifies the starting and ending points of an action or event.
从…起… (Starting from…)
“从…起…” is used to emphasize the starting point of an action or event and is often translated as “starting from…” or “since…”. For example:
– **从**今天**起**，我开始锻炼身体。 (Cóng jīntiān qǐ, wǒ kāishǐ duànliàn shēntǐ.) – **Starting from** today, I will begin to exercise.
– **从**明天**起**，我们放假。 (Cóng míngtiān qǐ, wǒmen fàngjià.) – **Starting from** tomorrow, we will be on vacation.
These examples highlight the initiation of an action or period.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Understanding the nuances of “从” can be tricky, and language learners often make mistakes when using this preposition. Here are some common errors and tips on how to avoid them:
Confusing 从 with Other Prepositions
One common mistake is confusing “从” with other prepositions like “在” (zài), which means “at” or “in.” For example:
– Incorrect: 我**在**北京到上海。 (Wǒ zài Běijīng dào Shànghǎi.)
– Correct: 我**从**北京到上海。 (Wǒ cóng Běijīng dào Shànghǎi.)
To avoid this mistake, remember that “从” is used to indicate the starting point, not the location where something is happening.
Misplacing 从 in the Sentence
Another common error is misplacing “从” within the sentence structure. For example:
– Incorrect: 他开始**从**早上工作。 (Tā kāishǐ cóng zǎoshang gōngzuò.)
– Correct: 他**从**早上开始工作。 (Tā cóng zǎoshang kāishǐ gōngzuò.)
In Chinese, the preposition “从” typically precedes the noun or phrase that indicates the starting point.
Overusing 从
Learners sometimes overuse “从” in contexts where it is not necessary. For example:
– Incorrect: 我**从**喜欢这本书。 (Wǒ cóng xǐhuān zhè běn shū.)
– Correct: 我喜欢这本书。 (Wǒ xǐhuān zhè běn shū.)
In this case, “从” is not needed because the sentence does not involve a starting point.
Practice Exercises
To reinforce your understanding of “从,” here are some practice exercises. Try to fill in the blanks with the correct preposition and translate the sentences into English.
1. 我每天______家到学校。
2. ______明天起，我开始学习法语。
3. 这个包裹是______日本寄来的。
4. ______他的角度来看，这个决定是正确的。
5. 他______早上开始锻炼。
Answers:
1. 从 (cóng) – I go from home to school every day.
2. 从 (cóng) – Starting from tomorrow, I will begin studying French.
3. 从 (cóng) – This package was sent from Japan.
4. 从 (cóng) – From his perspective, this decision is correct.
5. 从 (cóng) – He starts exercising from the morning.
Advanced Uses of 从
For more advanced learners, understanding idiomatic expressions and complex sentence structures involving “从” can be very beneficial. Here are a few advanced uses:
从不 (Never)
“从不” (cóng bù) is an idiomatic expression that means “never.” For example:
– 他**从不**迟到。 (Tā cóng bù chídào.) – He **never** arrives late.
从…来看 (Judging from…)
“从…来看” (cóng… lái kàn) is used to express a judgment or conclusion based on certain information. For example:
– **从**他的表现**来看**，他很有经验。 (Cóng tā de biǎoxiàn lái kàn, tā hěn yǒu jīngyàn.) – **Judging from** his performance, he is very experienced.
从…说起 (Starting from…)
“从…说起” (cóng… shuō qǐ) is used to begin a narrative or explanation from a particular point. For example:
– **从**我第一次见到他**说起**，他就给我留下了深刻的印象。 (Cóng wǒ dì yī cì jiàn dào tā shuō qǐ, tā jiù gěi wǒ liúxiàle shēnkè de yìnxiàng.) – **Starting from** the first time I met him, he left a deep impression on me.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “从” in Chinese can greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in various contexts. Whether you are indicating a starting point in terms of location, time, source, or perspective, understanding how to use “从” correctly is essential. By practicing with the examples and exercises provided in this article, you will be well on your way to mastering this versatile preposition. Remember, language learning is a journey, and every step you take brings you closer to fluency. Happy learning!
