cin4 jat6前日
Jyutpingcin4 jat6
Yalechìhn yaht
Definition
The day before yesterday; two days ago.
colloquialtime
How it's used
Refers strictly to the day two days prior to the current one. Unlike formal written Chinese, it is used naturally in casual speech to pinpoint specific past events without needing to specify a date. It functions as a time adverbial and does not require a preposition like 喺 before it.
Examples
We went hiking the day before yesterday, it was so tiring.
Related words
Common phrases
the morning of the day before yesterday
the night of the day before yesterday
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 大前日, which refers to three days ago. Learners sometimes mistakenly use 兩日前, which is grammatically understandable but sounds less natural than the specific term 前日.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
