How to Say "History" in Cantonese

歷史

lik6 si3

The Cantonese word for history is 歷史 (lik6 si3).

歷史 is used to refer to the branch of knowledge that studies the past.

Meaning: branch of knowledge that studies the past (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

The word is composed of 歷 (lik6), meaning 'to pass through' or 'experience' and 史 (si3), meaning 'history' or 'scribe'.

While 歷史 is the standard term for history, the term 史學 (si2 hok6) specifically refers to the field of study known as history.

lik6 si3

The character 史 originally depicted a hand holding a writing tool, representing the 'scribe' who recorded events for the royal court.
In traditional Chinese historiography, the 'Grand Historian' is a title associated with the word 史, specifically referring to Sima Qian.
Cantonese speakers may use 歷史 in a metaphorical sense to describe a 'track record' or the background of a person's life.

我好鍾意讀歷史。
I love studying history.
This sentence shows how to express a love for studying 歷史.
Tatoeba #5375382 by nickyeow, translation #958893 by CM
佢有好多講歷史嘅書。
He has a lot of books on history.
This sentence describes possessing many books related to 歷史.
Tatoeba #1573086 by nickyeow, translation #304790 by CK
我搵緊啲關於羅馬歷史嘅書。
I'm looking for books on the history of Rome.
This sentence is useful for stating that you are searching for books concerning the history of Rome.
Tatoeba #9547022 by nickyeow, translation #9500493 by AlanF_US
我喺學校學習歷史。
I study history at school.
我彩色鉛筆畫出嚟嘅畫都有歷史背景。
The paintings I draw with colored pencils all have historical backgrounds.
25 more sentences on Tatoeba

Mei Ling and Chun Kit are talking about their university courses.

美玲 Mei Ling

你呢個學期有冇選歷史課？
nei5 go3 hok6 kei4 jau5 mou5 syun2 lik6 si2 fo3?
Are you taking a history class this semester?
俊傑 Chun Kit

冇呀，我今年唔讀歷史。
mou5 aa3, ngo5 gam1 nin4 m4 duk6 lik6 si2.
No, I'm not studying history this year.
美玲 Mei Ling

點解？我覺得歷史好有趣。
dim2 gaai2? ngo5 gok3 dak1 lik6 si2 hou2 jau3 ceoi3.
Why? I think history is very interesting.
俊傑 Chun Kit

係，但係我太忙喇。
hai6, daan6 hai6 ngo5 taai3 mong4 laa3.
Yes, but I am too busy.

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