Usage of 从
The character 从 (cóng) is a versatile preposition commonly used to indicate the starting point in time or space, the source of information or action, and the idea of following or obeying someone or something.
Starting Point
When 从 is used to mark the beginning of a time or place, it often appears with words like 开始 (start) or 出发 (set off). For example, 从明天开始 means "starting from tomorrow." This usage helps specify when or where an action begins.
Source or Origin
从 can indicate the source from which something is obtained or learned, such as 从老师的话中 (from the teacher's words) or 从别人的经验中 (from others' experiences). This usage is very common in everyday speech and writing.
Following or Obeying
从 also expresses the idea of following or conforming to others, often in social contexts. For example, 从众 means "to follow the crowd." This usage implies compliance or lack of individual assertion.
Common Collocations
- 从...开始: to start from...
- 从事实出发: to start from the facts
- 从众: to follow the crowd
- 从经验中吸取教训: to learn lessons from experience
Notes
- 从 is often confused with 自 (zì), which also means "from," but 自 tends to emphasize the origin or source more abstractly, while 从 is more concrete and often used with actions.
- 从 usually precedes the noun or noun phrase it relates to.
- It is a neutral, standard word suitable for both spoken and written Chinese.