gu2 si4古時古时
Jyutpinggu2 si4
Yalegú sìh
Definition
Ancient times; a long time ago.
neutraltime
How it's used
Refers specifically to a distant, historical past, often carrying a sense of nostalgia or storytelling. It is frequently used when comparing modern habits or technology with those of previous generations. While it functions as a noun, it is almost always followed by 嘅 to modify a noun phrase or describe a state of being.
Examples
People in ancient times lived very simple lives.
Do you know how people lived their lives back in ancient times?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to refer to the recent past, such as last year or a few decades ago, as it implies a much older, pre-modern era. For more recent historical periods, use 以前 instead.
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.
