Both [https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/%E7%A6%BB 离 (lí)] and [https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/%E4%BB%8E 从 (cóng)] can be translated into English as "from." In Chinese, however, their meanings are different. 从 is used in cases where the subject's position relative to a fixed location changes. 离 expresses a "static" distance, or a distance that is unchanging. Both can be used in defining distance or time, however 从 has more meanings than 离. == 从 as "from" (Time or Event) == === Structure === === Examples === === Colloquial Sayings === 从那以后 means "ever since then," while 从今以后 means "from now on." A few examples: == 从 as "from" (Place, Somebody or Something) == === Structure === === Examples === == 离 as "away from" (Distance) == === Structure === === Examples === Try not to say: == 离 as "from" (Time or Event) == === Structure === 以现在为时间的起点，try this pattern: === Examples === == Colloquial Saying 离⋯⋯还远呢 == 离⋯⋯还远呢 expresses that something is very far off in terms of time. == Sources and further reading == === Books === * [https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/%E7%8E%B0%E4%BB%A3%E6%B1%89%E8%AF%AD%E8%99%9A%E8%AF%8D%E4%BE%8B%E9%87%8A 现代汉语虚词例释] (pp. 335) [http://www.amazon.cn/%E7%8E%B0%E4%BB%A3%E6%B1%89%E8%AF%AD%E5%85%AB%E7%99%BE%E8%AF%8D/dp/B004323J90/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345693275&sr=8-1 →buy] * [https://resources.allsetlearning.com/gramwiki/?title=%E5%AE%9E%E7%94%A8%E5%AF%B9%E5%A4%96%E6%B1%89%E8%AF%AD%E6%95%99%E5%AD%A6%E8%AF%AD%E6%B3%95&action=edit&redlink=1 实用对外汉语教学语法] (pp. 263) [ →buy]