以来
irai
In Japanese, 'ever since' is expressed as 以来 (irai).
The term 以来 is used to indicate a continuous state or event that has persisted from a specific, significant point in time. It marks the starting point of an ongoing situation.
Meaning: continuously since a specified time or event (adv)
How does it change in a sentence?
In a sentence, 以来 is typically placed after a noun or a verb in the past tense to denote the point from which a continuous state began.
How do you pronounce it?
irai
Did you know?
- While 以来 marks a point in time, the character 来 actually means 'to come', reflecting a perspective where time is seen as flowing toward the present moment.
- Unlike English, where 'since' can be used to mean 'because', 以来 can never be used to explain the reason for something.
- The word 以来 is a kango, meaning it was borrowed from Chinese, which is why it feels more formal and stiff than the native Japanese word から.
Examples in context
- ３年前に東京へ来て以来ここに住んでいる。I came to Tokyo three years ago and have been living here ever since.This sentence shows how to use 以来 after a verb in the past tense to describe living in a place since moving there.Tatoeba #4955 by bunbuku, translation #72637 by blay_paul
- トムはその事故以来ずっと左目に問題がある。Tom has had trouble with his left eye ever since the accident.This sentence demonstrates using 以来 after a noun to describe a physical condition following an accident.Tatoeba #2055095 by bunbuku, translation #1025378 by CK
- 以来ずっと友人です。We've been friends ever since.This sentence shows the use of 以来 to describe a continuous state of friendship.Tatoeba #191155 by mookeee, translation #28315 by CK
- 高校を卒業してから、日本語を勉強していますI have been studying Japanese ever since I graduated from high school.
- 結婚して以来、彼女は専業主婦ですEver since getting married, she has been a housewife.
- 昨日から雨が降っていますIt has been raining ever since yesterday.
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are talking about their old school days at a cafe.
- 健太 Kenta高校生以来、一度も会っていないね。koukousei irai, ichido mo atte inai ne.We haven't met even once ever since we were high school students, have we?
- 美咲 Misaki本当ね。健太君、久しぶり！hontou ne. Kenta-kun, hisashiburi!That's true. It's been a long time, Kenta!
- 健太 Kenta美咲さんも、元気そうで良かった。Misaki-san mo, genki sou de yokatta.I'm glad to see you look well too, Misaki.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとう。今日はゆっくり話しましょう。arigatou. kyou wa yukkuri hanashimashou.Thank you. Let's take our time talking today.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
