jat1 nin4 jat1 dou6一年一度

Jyutpingjat1 nin4 jat1 dou6

Yaleyāt nìhn yāt douh

語句Uncommon

Definition

Once a year; annual.

neutraltime

How it's used

Functions as an attributive phrase that modifies a noun, usually requiring the particle 嘅 to connect it to the following subject. It carries a sense of anticipation or importance, often used for events that people look forward to or that hold cultural significance. Unlike simple time expressions, it emphasizes the cyclical and singular nature of the event within the calendar year.

Examples

ni1呢go3個hai6係jat1一nin4年jat1一dou6度ge3嘅ci4慈sin6善maan5晚jin3宴。

This is an annual charity gala.

nei5你zi1知m4唔zi1知jat1一nin4年jat1一dou6度ge3嘅faa1花zin2展gei2幾si4時hoi1開ci2始？

Do you know when the annual flower show starts?

Related words

Common phrases

jat1一nin4年jat1一dou6度ge3嘅sing6盛si6事

an annual grand event

Common mistake

Avoid using this to describe things that happen frequently or randomly throughout the year, as it strictly implies a fixed annual recurrence. It is not a verb phrase and cannot be used to describe the frequency of an action in a sentence like I go to the gym once a year.