cin1 zoi2千載千载

Jyutpingcin1 zoi2

Yalechīn jói

Definition

A thousand years, representing a very long time.

writtentimedescriptions

How it's used

Literary and formal in tone, this term is rarely used in casual daily speech unless referring to idioms or poetic expressions. It carries a sense of grand scale or eternity, making it sound overly dramatic if applied to mundane situations. Most speakers reserve it for written contexts or when emphasizing the rarity of an event.

Examples

le1呢dyun6段gam2感cing4情zan1真hai6係cin1千zoi2載naan4難fung4逢。

This relationship is truly a once in a thousand years opportunity.

keoi5佢dei2哋ge3嘅jau5友ji4誼cin1千zoi2載bat1不bin3變。

Their friendship will remain unchanged for a thousand years.

Common phrases

cin1千zoi2載naan4難fung4逢

once in a thousand years; extremely rare

cin1千zoi2載bat1不bin3變

unchanging for a thousand years

Common mistake

Do not use this to describe actual time durations in daily life, as it sounds like you are reciting a poem. Use 一千年 instead for literal measurements of time.