自古以来 (zì gǔ yǐ lái) — since ancient times; from ancient times to the present

Definition

A fixed phrase meaning 'since ancient times, up to now' — used to introduce a long-standing fact or tradition. The 自…以来 frame sets a time origin from a vague 'ancient' past to the present, stronger than just 以前.

verb
since ancient timesfrom ancient times to the present

Examples

  • 自古以来，。
    zì gǔ yǐ lái, Zhōng guó rén jiù zhòng shì jiā tíng guān niàn.
    Since ancient times, Chinese people have valued the concept of family.
  • 自古以来，。
    zì gǔ yǐ lái, Zhè lǐ jiù shì bīng jiā bì zhēng zhī dì.
    Since ancient times, this place has been a must-fight strategic location for military strategists.
  • 自古以来，。
    zì gǔ yǐ lái, Rén men jiù dǒng de lì yòng zì rán guī lǜ.
    Since ancient times, people have understood how to use natural laws.

Origin

Characters in this word

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

假借jiǎjièLater borrowed for its sound alone — the picture has nothing to do with today’s meaning.

自 originally drew a nose. It was borrowed purely for its sound to write 自, so the picture and the meaning are unrelated.

Open 自 →

An abstract idea shown by a mark or a diagram rather than by a picture of an object.

One reading of 古 sees a shield-like shape above an open mark, showing strength and firmness. Another sees a person spitting out bad-tasting food.

Open 古 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

The shape came from a drawing of a person carrying something; in 以, part of that person is still visible on the right.

Open 以 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 來; 来 is its simplified writing.

The traditional form 來 shows a wheat plant: a central ear, upward leaves, and downward stem and roots. The simplified 来 is a later shorthand.

Open 来 →

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