Learning how to express the concept of “last year” in Chinese can greatly enhance your language skills and allow you to communicate more effectively with Mandarin speakers. In this guide, we will explore formal and informal ways to express this concept and provide tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary. So let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways
When it comes to formal language, Chinese offers several ways to say “last year” based on the context and your intended meaning. Here are the most common formal expressions:
1. 去年 (qù nián)
This is the standard and widely used way to say “last year” in Mandarin Chinese. The character “去” means “past” or “last,” and “年” means “year.” Together, they form the word “去年” which accurately denotes the previous year. It is suitable for both spoken and written formal situations. For example:
我去年在北京旅行了两个月。
(Wǒ qùnián zài Běijīng lǚxíngle liǎng gè yuè.)
Translation: I traveled to Beijing for two months last year.
2. 上一年 (shàng yī nián)
Another formal expression for “last year” is “上一年.” “上” means “previous” or “above,” and “一” means “one.” Therefore, “上一年” suggests the year that comes before the current one. It is commonly used in written or formal contexts. For example:
我们的销售额在上一年超过了预期。
(Wǒmen de xiāoshòu é zài shàng yī nián chāoguòle yùqí.)
Translation: Our sales exceeded expectations in the previous year.
Informal Ways
Informal speech opens up more possibilities for expressing “last year” in Chinese. Informal expressions are commonly used in casual conversations or with close friends. Let’s explore a few options:
1. 去年这个时候 (qù nián zhè ge shí hòu)
This informal expression translates to “this time last year” and is commonly used to reminisce about a specific period in relation to the present time. For example:
去年这个时候，我们正在一起过圣诞节。
(Qùnián zhè ge shí hòu, wǒmen zhèngzài yīqǐ guò shèngdàn jié.)
Translation: This time last year, we were celebrating Christmas together.
2. 去年的今天 (qù nián de jīn tiān)
This phrase is used to express “on this day last year.” It emphasizes a specific day and is commonly used when recounting experiences or events on the same date as the present day. For example:
去年的今天，我去了一个很美丽的海滩。
(Qùnián de jīntiān, wǒ qùle yī gè hěn měilì de hǎitān.)
Translation: On this day last year, I went to a beautiful beach.
Tips for Usage
When using the above expressions, keep the following tips in mind:
1. Verb Placement
In Chinese, the verb usually comes before the time expression. For example:
Correct: 我去年在上海工作。
(Wǒ qùnián zài Shànghǎi gōngzuò.)
Incorrect: 我在去年在上海工作。
2. Date Format
Chinese typically uses the “year-month-day” format when mentioning dates. For example:
Correct: 我们去年六月在巴黎度过了假期。
(Wǒmen qùnián liù yuè zài Bālí dùguòle jiàqī.)
Incorrect: 我们去年在巴黎度过了假期六月。
3. Contextual Use
Understanding the context of a conversation or situation will help you choose the appropriate expression for “last year.” Formal expressions are more suitable for professional or academic conversations, while informal expressions capture a more casual tone.
Regional Variations
Chinese is spoken across various regions, and while the formal expressions mentioned earlier are widely understood throughout China and beyond, regional variations do exist. Here are a few examples:
1. 去年嘅 (heoi nin ge) – Cantonese
Cantonese, spoken in southern China and Hong Kong, has its own unique expression for “last year” – “去年嘅.” This variation highlights the distinctive character of the Cantonese language.
2. 蔡年 (cǎi nián) – Minnan Dialect
In the Minnan dialect, spoken in Fujian province and Taiwan, “last year” is referred to as “蔡年.” This emphasizes the regional diversity within China.
In Conclusion
Learning the various ways to say “last year” in Chinese, both formally and informally, allows you to confidently express yourself in spoken and written contexts. Remember to consider the right context and tone when choosing between the formal or informal expressions. Enjoy exploring the rich linguistic landscape of Mandarin Chinese!
