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plThe prepositions cóng 从/從 and lí 离/離 both translate to ‘from’ in English, but they are used in different contexts. Understanding when to use each preposition is crucial for accurate communication.
For basic structure of the two prepositions check Preposition cóng 从/從 and Preposition lí 离/離
Functions
1. Starting point vs. distance
Cóng 从/從 emphasizes the starting point of an action, while lí 离/離 emphasizes the distance or separation between two locations.
Cóng 从/從
Cóng 从/從 marks the starting point of an action or movement. The starting point can be a place, time, or source. Cóng 从/從 is often used with dào 到 to indicate movement or transition from one place or time to another.
Lí 离/離
Lí 离/離 is used to describe distance or separation from a point, such as a place, moment, or goal. It often highlights the spatial or temporal separation between the subject and another point.
2. Dynamic vs. Static
Cóng 从/從 usually precedes a verb describing an action to indicate the starting point of an action. Lí 离/離 describes a more static relationship in terms of distance and does not need to express an action. Lí 离/離 is often used with an adjective, such as jìn 近 ’near‘ or yuǎn 远/遠 ‘far‘ or the existential verb yǒu 有 followed by a distance measured in, for example, centimeters, meters, or kilometers.