sou3 jau5素有

Jyutpingsou3 jau5

Yalesou yáuh

動詞Uncommon

Definition

To have always had; to have long possessed.

writtendescriptions

How it's used

This term carries a formal and slightly literary tone, often used to describe a long standing reputation or a deep seated habit. It is rarely used in casual, everyday speech, appearing more frequently in written reports, news, or formal introductions. When you use it, you are emphasizing that a quality or situation is not new but has been established for a significant amount of time.

Examples

keoi5佢sou3素jau5有jin4研gau3究，nei5你man6問keoi5佢zau6就aam1啱laa3喇。

He has long studied this, so asking him is the right move.

le1呢gaan1間pou3舖tau2頭sou3素jau5有hau2口bei1碑，hou2好naan4難deng6訂wai2位㗎。

This shop has always had a good reputation, so it is hard to book a table.

Common phrases

sou3素jau5有hau2口bei1碑

has long had a good reputation

sou3素jau5有sam1心dak1得

has long had a deep understanding

Common mistake

Avoid using this in overly casual settings, as it can sound stiff or pretentious. Learners often mistakenly use it as a direct translation for always, but it specifically implies a history or a track record rather than just frequency.