HSK 2
从
cóng
The preposition '从' (from, starting from)
Explanation
从 (cóng) is a preposition (a word placed before a noun to show a relationship), equivalent to "from" in English, used to indicate a starting point or a path.
从 (cóng) + place/time + verb. For example 从这儿走 (cóng zhèr zǒu) = go from here.
When indicating the starting place of a space (从这儿 = from here), a time (从今天 (cóng jīntiān) = from today), or a route that an action passes through (从…门口过 = pass by the entrance of…).
从 (cóng) emphasizes the STARTING POINT, whereas 离 (lí) indicates the distance between two places (远/近 far/near); do not confuse these two words.
Vietnamese learners often drop the verb at the end, saying only 从这儿 and stopping — this is wrong; the phrase 从 + place is an adverbial (a component indicating location) and must be followed by a verb.
Examples
If you go from here, you'll reach the bookstore in five minutes.
This bus route passes by the entrance of our school.
Practice
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Learn “从” effectively
The grammar point “从” (The preposition '从' (from, starting from)) is one of the key structures at HSK 2. 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.