cin1 cau1千秋

Jyutpingcin1 cau1

Yalechīn chāu

名詞

Definition

A thousand years, used metaphorically to refer to a very long period of time or a vast history.

writtentimeother

How it's used

Often used in formal or literary contexts to emphasize the vastness of time, it frequently appears in idioms like 千秋萬世 or 千秋大業. In casual speech, it is rarely used to describe literal time, but rather serves as a grand, poetic way to talk about legacy or historical endurance. When used for birthdays, it carries a respectful and slightly archaic tone, implying a wish for eternal life.

Examples

ni1呢go3個cyun4傳tung2統lau4流cyun4傳zo2咗cin1千cau1秋gam3咁noi6耐。

This tradition has been passed down for a very long time.

keoi5佢dei2哋ge3嘅jau5友ji4誼zan1真hai6係cin1千cau1秋maan6萬sai3世。

Their friendship will truly last for ages.

Common phrases

cin1千cau1秋maan6萬sai3世

for ages and ages

cin1千cau1秋

a monumental and enduring cause

Common mistake

Avoid using this to describe short durations or specific dates, as it is strictly reserved for grand, historical, or metaphorical timescales. It is not a substitute for the word 一千年 when discussing actual calendar years.