Preposition 由: Introducing Origin/Source
介词引出时间、处所：由¹
Use the preposition 由 to indicate a starting point, origin, or agent in formal contexts
Place 由 before a noun representing a starting point, origin, or agent. The structure introduces where something begins, comes from, or who is responsible for an action. 由 is more formal than 从 and is commonly used in written Chinese and official contexts.
由 has multiple related meanings: (1) from a place (origin/departure point), (2) by/through (agent or means), and (3) from a time (temporal starting point). In this lesson we focus on the spatial and temporal "from" meaning. 由 is more literary and formal than 从, which you already know.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Preposition 由: Introducing Origin/Source (介词引出时间、处所：由¹)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 介词引出时间、处所：由¹ pattern
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Understanding 介词引出时间、处所：由¹
You already know 从 as the basic word for "from" in Chinese. Now you are adding 由, which is its more formal and literary cousin. While 从 is used freely in everyday speech, 由 appears more often in written Chinese, news reports, official announcements, and formal descriptions. When you say 这路公交车由北京机场出发, it sounds polished and official — like a transit announcement. 由 can indicate a starting point for physical movement (由南门进入 = enter from the south gate) or a source of authority (由校长决定 = decided by the principal). Learning to use 由 appropriately will elevate your Chinese for formal writing and comprehension of official texts.
Key Points
- 由 (yóu) + place = from (a starting point). 由北京出发 = depart from Beijing.
- 由 is more formal and written than 从. In casual speech, 从 is preferred.
- 由 + noun + VP indicates the starting point of movement: 由南门进入 = enter from the south gate.
- 由 can also indicate agency (who does something): 这件事由他负责 = He is responsible for this matter.
- 由...到... is a formal pattern for "from...to...": 由北到南 = from north to south.
- In transit announcements, schedules, and directions, 由 is standard: 此列车由上海开往北京.
You will encounter 由 constantly in Chinese signage, train announcements, and official documents. Airport departure boards, bus route descriptions, and government notices all prefer 由 over 从. Recognizing this formal register helps you navigate real-world Chinese environments confidently.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
这路公交车由北京机场出发。
This bus route departs from Beijing Airport.
我们由南门进入公园。
We enter the park from the south gate.
这趟列车由上海开往广州。
This train runs from Shanghai to Guangzhou.
请由这边走。
Please go this way.
Polite and formal direction
由东到西，路程大概有五公里。
From east to west, the distance is about five kilometers.
这个活动由学生会组织。
This event is organized by the student council.
由 indicating the agent/organizer
我们由北京出发，一路向南。
We set off from Beijing, heading south the whole way.
Common Mistakes
For everyday, casual speech about personal routines, 从 is natural. 由 sounds overly formal in this context — save it for official or written contexts.
由 must be followed by the place/origin noun, not placed before the verb directly. The structure is 由 + place + verb.
For temporal "from" in everyday speech, 从 is much more natural. 由 for time origins is restricted to very formal or legal language.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Think of 由 as the "formal 从." If you would use "from" on a sign, announcement, or official document, use 由.
The pattern 由...到... is very useful for describing routes and ranges: 由北到南 (from north to south), 由小到大 (from small to large).
When you hear train or bus announcements in China, listen for 由 — it is everywhere: 本次列车由北京西站开往...
In academic and business writing, 由 sounds more professional than 从: 本报告由研究小组完成 (This report was completed by the research team).
Homework
Write a formal travel itinerary using 由 for all departure points and routes. Describe a trip with at least three legs. Example: 我们由上海出发，到南京。然后由南京出发，前往武汉... Include at least five sentences using 由.