从此 vs 从那以后 (cóngcǐ vs cóng nà yǐhòu): from then on
从此 and 从那以后 both mean 'from then on', but they differ in register and connotation. 从此 is a compact, literary word used in formal writing and storytelling to mark a significant turning point, while 从那以后 is a colloquial phrase used in everyday speech to neutrally indicate the time after a reference event.
从此 and 从那以后 both refer to a time starting from a past event and continuing onward, but they are not interchangeable in all contexts. 从此 (cóngcǐ) is a single word derived from Classical Chinese, often used in narratives to introduce a lasting change or a new phase. 从那以后 (cóng nà yǐhòu) is a four-character phrase that literally means 'from that after,' and it is the preferred choice in spoken registers for neutral temporal references.
When to use each
Use 从此 in formal writing, literary contexts, or when emphasizing a decisive change following a key event. It is common in news headlines, historical accounts, and stories to signal a new beginning or a permanent shift.
从此 often carries a dramatic or conclusive nuance, implying the event caused a fundamental turn; it is rarely used for trivial or temporary transitions.
Use 从那以后 in everyday spoken Chinese and informal writing to indicate any point after a specified past event. It is the natural, neutral choice in conversation and does not carry special literary weight.
At a glance
| 从此 | 从那以后 | |
|---|---|---|
| Register | Literary / formal | Colloquial / neutral |
| Connotation | Often implies a significant turning point or permanent change | Neutral; simply marks a temporal boundary |
| Structure | Single word (adv. or conj.) | Phrase (preposition + pronoun + noun) |
| Frequency in speech | Low; rare in casual conversation | High; common in everyday talk |
Examples
- 从此自从那次车祸以后，他就从此不再开车了。Zìcóng nà cì chēhuò yǐhòu, tā jiù cóngcǐ bù zài kāichē le.After that car accident, he never drove again from then on.Emphatic turning point; 从那以后 would sound less dramatic here.
- 从那以后他们毕业后就分开了，从那以后再也没有见过面。Tāmen bìyè hòu jiù fēnkāi le, cóng nà yǐhòu zài yě méi jiàn guo miàn.They separated after graduation and haven't met each other since then.Neutral reporting of time; 从此 would be overly literary for casual speech.
- 从那以后从那以后，他每天早上都去跑步。Cóng nà yǐhòu, tā měitiān zǎoshang dōu qù pǎobù.From then on, he went for a run every morning.Simple habitual action; 从此 would imply an overly dramatic life change.
- 从此一九四九年新中国成立，从此中国人民站起来了。Yījiǔsìjiǔ nián xīn Zhōngguó chénglì, cóngcǐ Zhōngguó rénmín zhàn qǐlai le.In 1949 the new China was founded, and from then on the Chinese people stood up.Typical formal, historical context; 从那以后 would be too informal.
Common mistakes
- Using 从此 in casual conversation about everyday habits (e.g., '从此我每天喝咖啡') sounds unnatural and overly formal; use 从那以后 instead.
- Using 从那以后 in formal writing like news headlines or historical summaries (e.g., '他辞职，从那以后开创了自己的公司') weakens the dramatic impact; 从此 is more appropriate.
- Confusing the structures: 从此 is never followed by a specific time expression like 'three years ago'; 从那以后 can pair with precise time references (e.g., '从那以后的三天里').
FAQ
- When do I use 从此 vs 从那以后?
- Use 从此 in formal writing or when emphasizing a life-changing event; use 从那以后 in everyday speech for any ‘from then on’ meaning.
- Can 从此 and 从那以后 be used interchangeably?
- In some written contexts they might be understood, but they are not freely interchangeable due to register and connotation differences. 从此 is more literary and dramatic; 从那以后 is neutral and colloquial.
- Is 从此 always formal?
- Yes, 从此 is predominantly a formal/literary word. In modern spoken Chinese, it sounds bookish and is rarely used in casual conversation.