dong1 si4當時当时

How it's used

While 當時 is understood in spoken Cantonese, native speakers frequently prefer 嗰陣時 or 嗰陣 for a more natural, conversational tone. Using 當時 often sounds slightly more formal or narrative, as if you are recounting a story or giving a serious account of past events. It is perfectly acceptable in daily speech, but it carries a subtle weight that makes it feel less casual than the purely colloquial alternatives.