lin4 nin4連年连年
Jyutpinglin4 nin4
Yalelìhn nìhn
Definition
For successive years; lasting for several years in a row.
neutraltimedescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on the repetitive nature of an event occurring over a long, unbroken period. It carries a slightly formal or literary weight, often appearing in news reports or formal discussions about economic trends, weather patterns, or social issues. Unlike everyday descriptors for duration, it emphasizes the cumulative impact of time passing.
Examples
It has been raining this heavily here for years.
Their company has been losing money for years, it is so miserable.
Related words
Common phrases
to suffer losses for successive years
drought for successive years
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe a simple duration like 'for three years', as it specifically implies a sequence of recurring events rather than a single continuous state.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
