HSK 1
从
cóng
The word '从' (cóng) marking a starting point
Explanation
从 (cóng) is a preposition (a word placed before a noun to introduce time or place) meaning "from", used to indicate the starting point of time or space.
从 (cóng) + starting point (+ 到 dào + ending point) + verb. For example 从星期一到星期五 (from Monday to Friday) indicates a span of time; 从哪儿来 (where do you come from) indicates the point of origin.
when stating the place/time at which an action begins. Often paired as 从...到... (cóng...dào...) meaning "from... to..." to indicate the whole span from A to B.
placing the 从... phrase AFTER the verb (wrong: 我来从北京); the correct form is 我从北京来 (I come from Beijing) because the preposition 从 always comes before the main verb.
Examples
We work from Monday to Friday.
Where do you come from?
Practice
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Learn “从” effectively
The grammar point “从” (The word '从' (cóng) marking a starting point) is one of the key structures at HSK 1. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
You can also view the full “” lesson to understand the related grammar and vocabulary more deeply.