ging1 nin4經年经年
Jyutpingging1 nin4
Yalegīng nìhn
Definition
For or after a long period of time; passing many years.
writtentime
How it's used
This term carries a slightly formal or literary tone, often appearing in written descriptions or storytelling rather than casual daily chatter. It emphasizes the passage of a significant amount of time, suggesting a sense of endurance or long-standing history. While it functions as an adverb, it is less flexible than common time expressions like 好耐.
Examples
They have been separated for a long time and finally met again.
This old shop has accumulated a lot of reputation over many years.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this in everyday casual conversation, as it can sound overly dramatic or archaic. Use 好耐 instead for standard spoken Cantonese.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
