zi6 cung4… zi1 hau6自從.....之後自从.....之后
Jyutpingzi6 cung4… zi1 hau6
Yalejih chung4… jī hauh
Definition
Ever since; from a certain time onward.
colloquialtime
How it's used
This structure is used to mark the starting point of a change in state or habit. While the full form includes 之後, speakers often drop the 之後 in casual conversation if the context is clear. It is common to pair this with 咁樣 or 嗰陣時 to emphasize the specific moment the change occurred.
Related words
Common phrases
ever since that day
ever since that time
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use 之後 as a standalone connector for 'since' without the preceding 自從. In Cantonese, you must include the full frame or at least the 自從 to establish the temporal anchor.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
