si2

Jyutpingsi2
Yale
語素Common

Definition

History; past events.

Example

keoi5zyun1mun4jin4gau3ming4si2

He specializes in the history of the Ming dynasty.

neutralother

How it's used

Functions primarily as a bound morpheme in compound words rather than as a standalone noun in daily speech. It appears most frequently in academic or formal contexts when discussing specific eras or fields of study. When referring to personal past experiences or general background, speakers typically prefer using 經歷 or 背景 instead.

Examples

This book talks about a lot of ancient history.

Common phrases

modern history
ancient history

Common mistake

Avoid using this as a standalone word to mean 'the past' in casual conversation, as it sounds overly formal or academic. Use 以前 or 過去 to describe past events or time periods in everyday life.

Grammar color guide

Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector