lik6 nin4歷年历年
Jyutpinglik6 nin4
Yalelihk nìhn
Definition
Over the past years; throughout the years.
neutraltime
How it's used
Focuses on the accumulation of time across several years rather than a single specific point in the past. It often appears with the particle 嚟 to emphasize the duration leading up to the present moment. While it can function as a noun, it frequently acts as an adverbial phrase describing trends or consistent actions.
Examples
He has supported this event over the years.
Have you looked at the competition results from previous years yet?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it to refer to a single past year, as it specifically implies a span of multiple years. It is also more formal than simply saying 呢幾年 or 過去咁多年, so it is more common in reports, news, or formal discussions than in casual small talk.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
