ciu1 wo4昭和
Jyutpingciu1 wo4
Yalechīu wòh
Definition
Shōwa, the reign name and posthumous title of the Japanese Emperor Hirohito (1926–1989).
neutraltimeother
How it's used
Refers specifically to the historical period in Japan spanning from 1926 to 1989. It is frequently used in Hong Kong to describe a particular aesthetic, often associated with retro Japanese fashion, interior design, or film style. People use it to evoke a sense of nostalgia for that specific mid-to-late 20th-century Japanese atmosphere.
Examples
This shirt is a style from the Showa era.
Do you like Showa-style designs?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to refer to any Japanese historical period other than the one corresponding to Emperor Hirohito. It is not a generic term for all Japanese history.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
