si2 cin4史前
Jyutpingsi2 cin4
Yalesí chìhn
Definition
Prehistoric; referring to the time before written history.
neutralother
How it's used
This term is primarily used in academic or formal contexts to describe eras before the invention of writing. While it functions as a modifier, it is rarely used in casual daily conversation unless discussing history, science, or museums. It carries a sense of extreme antiquity that distinguishes it from simply old or ancient things.
Examples
These fossils were left behind by prehistoric creatures.
Do you know how people lived during prehistoric times?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe something that is just very old or outdated, such as an old computer or a fashion style. Using it for non-historical contexts can sound overly dramatic or confusing to native speakers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
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Grammar guides
- 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.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
