Japatan
Formation
- Vて形 + 以来
- N + 以来
Explanation
Means a state has continued from a certain event up to now. The second clause shows the continuing situation, such as ずっと〜ている or 一度も〜ない. It also follows nouns like 卒業 or 入社. It is more formal than てから and refers to a fairly long period.
Examples
日本に 来て以来、毎日日記を書いている。
Ever since I came to Japan, I have kept a diary every day.
大学を 卒業して以来、田中さんには一度も会っていない。
I haven't seen Mr. Tanaka once since we graduated from university.
佐藤さんは 入社以来、ずっと同じ部署で働いている。
Ms. Sato has worked in the same department ever since she joined the company.
去年京都を 旅行して以来、古いお寺に興味を持っている。
Ever since I traveled to Kyoto last year, I have been interested in old temples.
Notes
The second clause cannot be a single action (such as "I took a taxi right away") or a future event. It is not normally used for very short periods, as in 昨日会って以来.
Related grammar
Mini quiz
1この町に引っ越して（ ）、近所の人とまだ一度も話したことがない。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 3 以来
"Since I moved to this town, I haven't once talked with my neighbors." 以来 shows a state continuing up to now.
2父は健康診断の結果を（ ）以来、毎朝走っている。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 1 見て
"Ever since he saw the results of his health checkup, my father has been running every morning." 以来 follows the て-form: 見て以来.
3「〜て以来」の使い方が正しい文はどれですか。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 3 その映画を見て以来、宇宙に興味を持っている。
3 is correct: "Ever since I saw that movie, I have been interested in space." 1 is about the future, and 2 and 4 describe single actions.
