Processing keyword: ～以来 (〜irai)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～以来 (〜irai)

～以来 (〜irai)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～以来 (〜いらい) is used in Japanese to indicate "since" a certain event or time up to the present. It expresses that something has continued from that point in the past until now.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ～以来 (〜いらい) means "since" or "ever since".

Usage

• It is used to describe a state or action that has been ongoing from a specific point in the past up to the present.
• Often used with verbs that denote a significant event or change.

Structure

Verb (た-form) + 以来

Formation Diagram

[Verb in た-form] + 以来
       ↑
   Past event

3. Comparative Analysis

～以来 vs. ～から

• ～以来 emphasizes the continuation of a state or action from a past event to the present.
• ～から simply indicates "from" a certain point but doesn't necessarily imply continuous action.

  Grammar Point	Emphasis	Example
  ～以来	Continuous state/action since an event	日本に来て以来、日本語を勉強している。
  ～から	Starting point without continuity implied	日本に来てから、たくさん旅行した。

4. Examples in Context

Example 1: Formal Written

日本に来て以来、ずっと忙しいです。
Ever since I came to Japan, I've been busy.

Example 2: Conversational

卒業して以来、彼に会っていない。
I haven't seen him since we graduated.

Example 3: Formal Speech

この薬を飲み始めて以来、体の調子が良くなりました。
Since I started taking this medicine, I've been feeling better.

Example 4: Informal

その日以来、彼女は元気がない。
Since that day, she hasn't been herself.

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness

• ～以来 can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• The politeness level is adjusted by the surrounding sentences and verb forms.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 震災以来
  Since the earthquake disaster.
• 結婚して以来
  Since getting married.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistake 1: Using Present Tense Verb Before 以来

• Incorrect: 会う以来
• Correct: 会って以来 Always use the verb in its past (た-form) before 以来.

Common Mistake 2: Confusing ～以来 with ～以後 (いご)

• ～以来 implies continuity up to the present.
• ～以後 can refer to any time after a point in the past, not necessarily continuous.

Learning Tip

• Mnemonic: Think of 以来 as "Event EYE (い) witnessed in the past, continuing up to now."

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～以来 is used to express "since" an event, emphasizing continuity to the present.
• Formation: Verb (た-form) + 以来
• Be mindful to use the た-form of verbs before 以来.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form a sentence using ～以来?
2. What verb form is used before 以来?
3. Translate: 日本に帰って以来、毎日家族と過ごしています。 Answers:
4. Verb (た-form) + 以来
5. The past tense (た-form) of the verb
6. "Since returning to Japan, I spend time with my family every day."

Feel free to revisit the examples and explanations to reinforce your understanding of ～以来 (〜いらい).