wong5 si4往時往时
Jyutpingwong5 si4
Yalewóhng sìh
Definition
In the old days; a long time ago.
colloquialtime
How it's used
Refers specifically to a past era or a bygone period rather than just 'yesterday' or 'last week'. It carries a sense of nostalgia and is often used when contrasting current conditions with how things used to be. While grammatically a noun, it functions adverbially to set the temporal context for a statement.
Examples
This place was very desolate in the old days.
Do you still remember life in the old days?
Related words
Common phrases
days of the past
Common mistake
Avoid using this to mean 'past' in a general sense like 'the past few years', as it specifically evokes a distant, completed era. Learners often confuse it with 以前, which is much more versatile and common for any point in time before now.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
