fu2 gam1 zeoi1 sik1撫今追昔抚今追昔

Jyutpingfu2 gam1 zeoi1 sik1

Yalefú gām jēui sīk

動詞

Definition

To reflect on the past in light of the present; to compare past and present.

writtenemotionother

How it's used

This is a formal idiom that carries a sense of melancholy or deep reflection. It is rarely used in casual, lighthearted conversation and is more common in written prose or when describing a profound emotional shift. It implies a contrast between a vibrant past and a changed present.

Examples

keoi5佢mong6望zyu6住gau6舊uk1屋，bat1不gam3禁fu2撫gam1今zeoi1追sik1昔。

Looking at the old house, he couldn't help but reflect on the past.

gin3見dou3到ni1呢dou6度bin3變saai3晒joeng6樣，nei5你jau6又wui2會m4唔wui2會fu2撫gam1今zeoi1追sik1昔aa1呀？

Seeing how much this place has changed, do you feel nostalgic too?

Common phrases

bat1不gam3禁fu2撫gam1今zeoi1追sik1昔

cannot help but reflect on the past

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a simple word for missing someone or something, but it specifically requires the trigger of seeing a current situation to prompt the memory. It is not interchangeable with simple nostalgia or missing someone.