〜以来 (〜いらい)

Since...; From...

1. Overview

「〜以来」 is used to indicate a continuation or duration of time from a specific point or event in the past. It emphasizes the ongoing status from a certain moment in the past to the present, and is often used to describe experiences, changes, or ongoing situations.

2. Structure

1. Noun + 以来
   Used after a noun to indicate the time or event from which something has continued.

2. Verb (た form) + 以来
   Used after the past form of a verb to indicate the time since an action occurred.

3. Usage Explanation

1. Indicating Duration of Time
   「〜以来」 emphasizes the continuity of an event or state from the past to the present, often used to express ongoing experiences or changes.

2. Meaning
   It can be translated as “since...” or “after...”, used to describe the situation from a certain point in time to the present.

4. Example Sentences

1. 日本に来て以来、ずっと日本語を勉強しています。
   Since coming to Japan, I have been studying Japanese.

2. 彼とは高校以来の友人です。
   We have been friends since high school.

3. その事件以来、彼女は一度も外出していない。
   Since that incident, she hasn’t gone out once.

4. この会社に入社して以来、色々な経験を積んできた。
   Since joining this company, I have gained various experiences.

5. Key Points to Note

1. 「以来」 is typically used in formal or written contexts, but it is also common in spoken language.
2. It emphasizes the continuity of time and is often combined with words that indicate time.
3. It is important to note that 「以来」 is usually followed by a noun or the past form of a verb.

6. Similar Grammar

• 〜以来で: Emphasizes the state from a past moment to the present, often used with verbs like「います」.
  Example: 「あの時以来で、彼はずっと忙しかった。」
  Since that time, he has been very busy.

• 〜から: Indicates starting from a specific time or event, and can also indicate a reason, but its context is broader.
  Example: 「大学を卒業してから、就職活動を始めた。」
  Since graduating from university, I started job hunting.

7. Alternative Grammar

• 〜以降: Also indicates the status after a certain point in time, but emphasizes the boundary of time more.
  Example: 「この日以降、天気がずっと良かった。」
  Since that day, the weather has been good.

• 〜後: Emphasizes the state or situation after an event, often used to describe subsequent events.
  Example: 「会議の後、皆で食事に行った。」
  After the meeting, everyone went out to eat.

8. Summary

「〜以来」 is used to express a continuing state or situation from a certain time point or event in the past, highlighting the continuity of time from the past to the present, and is often used to describe experiences, changes, or ongoing situations.