do1 nin4 ji5 loi4多年以來多年以来

Jyutpingdo1 nin4 ji5 loi4
Yaledō nìhn yíh lòih

Definition

For many years; over the past years.

neutraltime

How it's used

This phrase functions as a temporal adverbial to describe a state or habit persisting over a long duration. It carries a slightly formal or reflective tone, often used when looking back at a significant span of time. While it can be used in speech, it is more commonly encountered in narratives or when discussing long-term personal histories.

Examples

Have you been back to your hometown in all these years?

Related words

Common mistake

Learners often mistakenly use this phrase to describe a specific point in time or a short duration. It is strictly reserved for long periods and implies that the action or state has been continuous throughout that time.

Grammar color guide

Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector