zi6 ci2自此

Jyutpingzi6 ci2

Yalejih chí

副詞Common

Definition

Since then; from that point onward.

neutraltime

How it's used

Focuses on a clear turning point in time, often marking a permanent shift in a person's life or a situation. It is frequently used in narrative contexts to describe the aftermath of a significant event. Unlike Mandarin, it feels slightly more formal or literary in spoken Cantonese, where people might prefer using 從嗰陣開始 or 之後 instead.

Examples

keoi5佢bun1搬zau2走zo2咗，zi6自ci2此ngo5我zau6就mou5冇gin3見gwo3過keoi5佢。

He moved away, and I haven't seen him since then.

nei5你zi6自ci2此jiu3要siu2小sam1心di1啲，m4唔hou2好zoi3再faan2犯co3錯。

You must be more careful from now on and not make mistakes again.

Common phrases

zi6自ci2此zi1之hau6後

ever since then

Common mistake

Avoid using it as a direct translation for 'from now on' in casual, everyday requests, as it can sound overly dramatic or like a line from a novel. For simple future-oriented instructions, use 之後 or 由而家開始 instead.