Pattern: 从……起 (Starting From)
从……起
Use the 从……起 pattern to mark a starting point in time for an action or situation
从……起 marks a temporal starting point — "starting from" a specific time or event. The clause after it describes what happens from that point onward.
从……起 is often interchangeable with 从……开始, but 起 is more concise and slightly more formal/literary. 从 can also be omitted in casual speech, leaving just the time word + 起.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Pattern: 从……起 (Starting From) (从……起)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 从……起 pattern
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Understanding 从……起
The pattern 从……起 establishes a clear temporal starting point for an action, decision, or change. It translates naturally as "starting from," "from…onward," or "beginning from." The time expression placed between 从 and 起 can be a specific date (从今天起), a general time (从现在起), or even an event (从毕业起). Everything after this phrase describes what happens from that point forward. This pattern is especially useful for announcing resolutions, new rules, or changes: 从今天起，我要每天锻炼 (Starting from today, I am going to exercise every day). It carries a sense of determination and forward-looking commitment. The closely related pattern 从……开始 has the same meaning but sounds slightly more conversational, while 从……起 has a crisper, more decisive feel.
Key Points
- 从 + time/event + 起 = "starting from" that point in time.
- Common time expressions: 从今天起, 从现在起, 从明年起, 从那时起.
- The second clause describes what happens from that point forward.
- 从……起 is slightly more formal/concise than 从……开始 (which has the same meaning).
- Often used for resolutions, new rules, or announcements of change.
- In casual speech, 从 can sometimes be omitted: 今天起，我要…… (informal).
The pattern 从……起 is very common in official announcements and rules in China. Signs in public places, company notices, and government regulations often use this structure: 从本月起，停车费调整为…… (Starting this month, parking fees are adjusted to…). Knowing this pattern helps you understand everyday signage and notices in Chinese-speaking environments.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
从现在起，你要努力学习了。
Starting from now, you need to study hard.
从今天起，我就用这台新电脑了。
Starting from today, I will use this new computer.
从明天起，图书馆的开放时间改了。
Starting from tomorrow, the library's opening hours have changed.
从那时起，他就决定学中文了。
From that time on, he decided to learn Chinese.
从下个月起，公司不再加班。
Starting from next month, the company will no longer have overtime.
从毕业起，她就一直在这家公司工作。
From graduation onward, she has been working at this company.
Event as starting point
Common Mistakes
The order is fixed: 从 + time + 起. 起 always comes after the time expression, not before 从.
Do not add 开始 after 起 — they mean the same thing. Use either 从今天起 or 从今天开始, but not both together.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
从……起 is your "starting from now" phrase — use it for resolutions, new rules, and fresh starts.
Pair it with 就 in the second clause for emphasis: 从那时起，他就……(from then on, he…).
Remember: 从……起 and 从……开始 are interchangeable, but do not combine them (no 从……起开始).
This pattern works with both specific times (今天, 明年) and events (毕业, 那次以后).
Homework
Write five resolutions or announcements using 从……起. Use different time expressions: 从今天起, 从下个星期起, 从明年起, 从现在起, and one with an event (从毕业起, 从搬家起, etc.).