sik1 jat6昔日
Jyutpingsik1 jat6
Yalesīk yaht
Definition
In the past; in the old days, often used to contrast the past with the present.
writtentime
How it's used
Carries a slightly nostalgic or formal tone, often used in descriptive writing or when reflecting on how much a place or situation has changed. It is less common in casual, everyday speech than 以前 or 舊時, which are more neutral and versatile. Use it when you want to emphasize the contrast between a bygone era and the current reality.
Examples
This place used to be a field of farmland.
Do you still remember life in the old days?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often treat it as a direct synonym for 以前, but it is not interchangeable in all contexts. It is specifically used to evoke a sense of history or past glory, whereas 以前 is a simple temporal marker for any time before now.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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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.
