Learning Chinese can be both an exciting and challenging journey. One of the key elements to mastering this language is understanding how to use prepositions correctly. Among these prepositions, the word 从 (cóng), which translates to “from” in English, is particularly essential. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the preposition 从, its usage, and various examples to help you integrate it into your Chinese vocabulary effectively.
Understanding 从 (cóng)
The preposition 从 is used to indicate the starting point of an action or a state. It can denote physical locations, points in time, sources, and even perspectives or references. Understanding how 从 functions in different contexts is crucial for constructing meaningful sentences in Chinese.
From a Physical Location
One of the most straightforward uses of 从 is to indicate movement from one place to another. This is similar to how we use “from” in English.
Example:
– 他从北京来。(Tā cóng Běijīng lái.) – He comes from Beijing.
In this example, 从 is used to show that the action of coming (来) originates from Beijing.
From a Point in Time
从 can also be used to indicate the starting point of an action in terms of time.
Example:
– 我们从八点开始上课。(Wǒmen cóng bā diǎn kāishǐ shàngkè.) – We start class from 8 o’clock.
Here, 从 marks the beginning of the time when the class starts.
From a Source
In some cases, 从 can be used to indicate the source of information or material.
Example:
– 这消息是从他那里听来的。(Zhè xiāoxi shì cóng tā nàlǐ tīng lái de.) – This news was heard from him.
In this sentence, 从 is used to show that the information (消息) was obtained from him.
From a Perspective or Reference Point
从 can also be used to indicate a perspective or a reference point from which something is considered or judged.
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 point of view, this plan is very good.
Here, 从 indicates the perspective (我的角度) from which the plan (计划) is being evaluated.
Using 从 in Complex Sentences
To become more proficient in Chinese, it’s important to practice using 从 in more complex sentence structures. Combining 从 with other words and phrases can help you express more nuanced ideas.
从…到… (From… to…)
One common structure is 从…到… (cóng… dào…), which means “from… to…”. This structure is used to indicate a range of locations, times, or quantities.
Example:
– 他从早上到晚上都在工作。(Tā cóng zǎoshang dào wǎnshàng dōu zài gōngzuò.) – He works from morning to night.
This sentence shows that the action of working (工作) spans from morning (早上) to night (晚上).
从…起 (Starting from…)
Another useful structure is 从…起 (cóng… qǐ), which means “starting from…”. This is often used to specify the beginning point of an action or state.
Example:
– 从今天起，我要开始锻炼身体。(Cóng jīntiān qǐ, wǒ yào kāishǐ duànliàn shēntǐ.) – Starting from today, I will start exercising.
In this example, 从…起 indicates that the action of exercising (锻炼身体) will begin from today (今天).
Common Mistakes and Tips for Using 从
Omitting 从 When Necessary
One common mistake learners make is omitting 从 when it is necessary to indicate the starting point of an action or state. Always remember that 从 is crucial for specifying where or when something begins.
Example:
– Incorrect: 我们八点开始上课。
– Correct: 我们从八点开始上课。 (Wǒmen cóng bā diǎn kāishǐ shàngkè.) – We start class from 8 o’clock.
Using 从 with Other Prepositions
Sometimes, 从 is used in conjunction with other prepositions to provide more detailed information. For instance, 从 can be paired with 向 (xiàng) to indicate the direction of an action.
Example:
– 他从北京向上海出发。(Tā cóng Běijīng xiàng Shànghǎi chūfā.) – He departs from Beijing toward Shanghai.
In this case, 从 indicates the starting point (Beijing), and 向 indicates the direction (Shanghai).
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to master the use of 从 is through consistent practice. Try to write sentences and short paragraphs using 从 in different contexts. Additionally, pay attention to how native speakers use 从 in conversation, books, and media.
Example Practice Sentences:
1. 他从家里带了一些食物来。(Tā cóng jiālǐ dài le yīxiē shíwù lái.) – He brought some food from home.
2. 从明天开始，我要早起。(Cóng míngtiān kāishǐ, wǒ yào zǎoqǐ.) – Starting from tomorrow, I will get up early.
3. 我从书中学到了很多知识。(Wǒ cóng shū zhōng xué dào le hěn duō zhīshi.) – I learned a lot of knowledge from books.
Advanced Usage of 从
从 in Idiomatic Expressions
In addition to its basic uses, 从 is also found in various idiomatic expressions that can add color to your language.
Example:
– 从头到尾 (cóng tóu dào wěi) – From beginning to end.
This idiomatic expression is used to describe something that is considered in its entirety.
Example Sentence:
– 我从头到尾读完了这本书。(Wǒ cóng tóu dào wěi dú wán le zhè běn shū.) – I read this book from beginning to end.
从 in Compound Sentences
When constructing compound sentences, 从 can be used to introduce subordinate clauses that provide additional information about the main action.
Example:
– 从他的话中，我明白了事情的真相。(Cóng tā de huà zhōng, wǒ míngbái le shìqíng de zhēnxiàng.) – From his words, I understood the truth of the matter.
In this sentence, 从 introduces the subordinate clause (他的话中) that explains how the speaker came to understand the truth.
从 in Passive Constructions
Although less common, 从 can also appear in passive constructions to indicate the source of an action.
Example:
– 这个决定是从上级作出的。(Zhège juédìng shì cóng shàngjí zuò chū de.) – This decision was made by the higher authorities.
Here, 从 indicates that the action of making the decision (作出决定) originates from the higher authorities (上级).
Exercises and Practice
To solidify your understanding of 从, it’s important to engage in various exercises and practical applications. Here are some exercises you can try:
Fill-in-the-Blanks
Complete the following sentences by filling in the correct form of 从:
1. 他______家里出发去学校。(Tā ______ jiālǐ chūfā qù xuéxiào.) – He departs from home to school.
2. 我们______明天开始新的项目。(Wǒmen ______ míngtiān kāishǐ xīn de xiàngmù.) – We will start a new project from tomorrow.
3. 你______哪里听到这个消息的？(Nǐ ______ nǎlǐ tīng dào zhège xiāoxi de?) – Where did you hear this news from?
Answers:
1. 从 (cóng)
2. 从 (cóng)
3. 从 (cóng)
Translation Practice
Translate the following sentences into Chinese, using 从 appropriately:
1. She learned a lot from her teacher.
2. Starting from next week, I will go to the gym every day.
3. He traveled from New York to Los Angeles.
Answers:
1. 她从老师那里学到了很多。(Tā cóng lǎoshī nàlǐ xué dào le hěn duō.)
2. 从下周开始，我每天都会去健身房。(Cóng xià zhōu kāishǐ, wǒ měitiān dōu huì qù jiànshēnfáng.)
3. 他从纽约到洛杉矶旅行。(Tā cóng Niǔyuē dào Luòshānjī lǚxíng.)
Sentence Construction
Create sentences using the following structures:
1. 从…到…
2. 从…起
3. 从…来看
Example Answers:
1. 从北京到上海需要四个小时。(Cóng Běijīng dào Shànghǎi xūyào sì gè xiǎoshí.) – It takes four hours from Beijing to Shanghai.
2. 从明天起，我要学习中文。(Cóng míngtiān qǐ, wǒ yào xuéxí zhōngwén.) – Starting from tomorrow, I will study Chinese.
3. 从他的表情来看，他很开心。(Cóng tā de biǎoqíng lái kàn, tā hěn kāixīn.) – From his expression, he looks very happy.
Conclusion
Mastering the preposition 从 (cóng) is a fundamental step in becoming proficient in Chinese. Its versatility in indicating the starting point of actions, time frames, sources, and perspectives makes it an invaluable tool in your linguistic arsenal. By understanding its various uses, practicing consistently, and paying attention to its application in native contexts, you can effectively incorporate 从 into your Chinese vocabulary. Happy learning!
