▎自從…以後, (zìcóng (Prep)...yĭhòu (N)), ever since...

 

Function The preposition 自從 presents a time reference, from which point an instance began.

1 自從大學畢業以後，他就經營了一家網路公司。

Zìcóng dàxué bìyè yǐhòu, tā jiù jīngyíngle yì jiā wǎnglù gōngsī.

Ever since graduating from university, he has been running an online company.

2 自從有了網路商店以後，我們待在家裡也可以買東西。

Zìcóng yǒule wǎnglù shāngdiàn yǐhòu, wǒmen dāi zài jiā lǐ yě kěyǐ mǎi dōngxi.

Ever since the advent of online shops I have been able to shop from home.

3 自從她有了孩子以後，她的生活更忙碌了。

Zìcóng tā yǒule háizi yǐhòu, tā de shēnghuó gèng mánglù le.

Ever since having children, her live has been even busier.

4 自從她認識了新的網友以後，每天一回家就打開電腦，進入聊天室。

Zìcóng tā rènshìle xīn de wǎngyǒu yǐhòu, měi tiān yì huíjiā jiù dǎkāi diànnǎo, jìnrù liáotiānshì.

Ever since meeting her new online friend, first thing after coming home every day she opens her computer and goes into the chatrooms.

5 自從他到了南美洲念書以後，他就有機會天天跟同學說西班牙文了。

Zìcóng tā dàole Nánměizhōu niànshū yǐhòu, tā jiù yǒu jīhuì tiāntiān gēn tóngxué shuō Xībānyáwén le.

Ever since going to the South America for studies he has had the opportunity to speak Spanish daily with his classmates.

 

Usage 以後 can sometimes be reduced to 後, but not very often, e.g.,

自從他搬家後，就再也沒見過他了。

Zìcóng tā bānjiā hòu, jiù zài yě méi jiànguò tā le.

I haven’t seen him again since he moved.