Understanding the Preposition "自从"

The Chinese preposition "自从" (zìcóng) translates to "since" in English and is used to indicate the starting point of an action or situation that continues to the present. It is often followed by a verb phrase that describes the event or condition that marks the beginning of the timeframe.

In the sentence "自从修了公路，这儿的交通就方便多了," the phrase "自从修了公路" means "since the road was built," indicating that the improved traffic conditions began at that point and continue to the present.

Similarly, in "自从来到中国，他就喜欢上了中国菜," "自从来到中国" translates to "since coming to China," suggesting that his liking for Chinese food started at that moment and persists.

Overall, "自从" is a useful preposition for expressing changes or developments that have occurred from a specific time onward.