jat1 nin4 bun3 zoi2一年半載一年半载
Jyutpingjat1 nin4 bun3 zoi2
Yaleyāt nìhn bun jói
Definition
A year or so; about a year or two.
colloquialtime
How it's used
This expression refers to a vague, somewhat extended period of time rather than a precise twelve months. It is frequently used to emphasize that a task or situation will take a significant amount of time to resolve or change. The phrasing implies a sense of patience or resignation regarding the duration.
Examples
He went abroad and won't be back for a year or so.
You've been doing this job for about a year now, how do you feel?
Related words
Common phrases
within a year or so
Common mistake
Avoid using this to refer to an exact calendar year, as it specifically conveys a rough estimate. It is not suitable for formal business timelines where precision is required.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
