Translation and Meaning of: 以来 - irai

If you've studied Japanese, you've probably come across the word 以来[いらい] at some point. It frequently appears in formal texts, news articles, and even in everyday conversations, but its meaning goes beyond a simple "since" or "from now on." In this article, we'll delve deep into the etymology, practical usage, and even curiosities about this very useful term.

In addition to understanding the meaning and translation of 以来, you will discover how it is used in real sentences – perfect for adding to your Anki or other memorization systems. And if you've ever wondered why the Japanese use this construction so much, get ready to uncover the logic behind this kanji that marks the beginning of important periods.

The origin and construction of the kanji 以来

The kanji 以 has an interesting history - it represents the idea of "to use as a basis" or "from." On the other hand, 来, as many know, means "to come" or "next." When combined, these characters form the concept of "from this point onward" or "since then." It's no coincidence that the word carries this strong temporal sense.

An interesting fact is that 以来 appears in classical Chinese texts dating back to the Han period (206 BC - 220 AD), showing how this construction is ancient. The Japanese adopted the term during the Heian period (794-1185), when the kanji writing system was solidified in the country. Unlike many modern words, 以来 has maintained its original meaning for centuries without significant changes.

Practical use in contemporary Japanese

In practice, 以来 functions as a temporal marker that connects two events. For example: Since I came to Japan, I started to like sushi (日本に来て以来、寿司が好きになった). Notice how it establishes a clear milestone - the moment of arrival in Japan - and everything that came after.

A common mistake among students is to confuse 以来 and から. Although both can be translated as "since," 以来 only works for past events that continue up to the present. On the other hand, から is more versatile, being able to be used for future periods as well. This nuance makes all the difference in natural communication.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

To memorize 以来 once and for all, try associating the kanji 来 (next) with the idea of "everything that came after." A helpful mental image is to think of a timeline where 以来 marks the starting point. When you hear the word in dramas or animes, pay attention to the context - there is almost always a significant event being referenced.

Since I graduated, ____ (Desde que me formei, ____). This is precisely the type of construction where 以来 shines, showing continuity between your degree and your current actions. Practice with events from your own life to reinforce the usage pattern.

Finally, it is worth ing that 以来 appears frequently in journalistic articles about the economy ("since the 2008 crisis") or in medical reports ("since the onset of symptoms"). Mastering this word brings you one step closer to reading authentic materials without surprises. So, are you ready to start using 以来 in your conversations?