sai1 jyun4西元
Jyutpingsai1 jyun4
Yalesāi yùhn
Definition
Common Era; AD.
neutraltime
How it's used
Interchangeable with 公元 in almost all contexts, though 公元 is significantly more common in daily speech and formal writing. Using 西元 often carries a slightly more academic or historical tone, emphasizing the Western origin of the calendar system. It is rarely used in casual conversation unless specifically discussing historical timelines or academic subjects.
Examples
This event happened in 2020 CE.
Do you know how the Common Era is calculated?
Related words
Common phrases
BCE (Before Common Era)
Common mistake
Avoid using 西元 when referring to the Chinese lunar calendar or traditional era names, as it strictly refers to the Gregorian calendar system. Beginners often confuse it with 西方, which refers to the West as a region or culture.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
