Learning how to say “yesterday” in Chinese is a fundamental step towards mastering the language. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express this concept, along with some regional variations you might encounter. Whether you want to engage in everyday conversations or delve deeper into Mandarin Chinese, we have got you covered! Let’s begin with the basics.
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Formal Ways to Say “Yesterday” in Chinese
When it comes to formal language, Mandarin Chinese offers several phrases to express “yesterday.” Here are a few commonly used options:
- 昨天 (zuótiān): This is the most standard and widely used term for “yesterday” in Chinese. It is not region-specific and is usually your safest choice in any formal setting. Remember to pronounce it as “zwo-tyen” with a falling tone on “zuo” and a rising tone on “tian.”
- 尋日 (xúnrì): This phrase, predominantly used in parts of Southern China, means “yesterday” in a more formal context. Pronounce it as “shwin-rr” with a rising tone on “xun” and a falling tone on “ri.” Please note that it may not be widely understood outside of the region.
Informal Ways to Say “Yesterday” in Chinese
For casual conversations or when talking to friends, you can use some colloquial expressions to say “yesterday” in Chinese. Here are a few options:
- 昨儿 (zuór): This informal term is commonly used in Northern China, particularly in Beijing and surrounding areas. It is a slightly abbreviated version of “昨天 (zuótiān).” Pronounce it as “zwor” with a falling tone on “zuo” and a neutral tone on “r.”
- 昨晚 (zuówǎn): If you specifically want to refer to “last night,” rather than the entire concept of “yesterday,” this is the phrase to use. It is understood and widely used across all regions. Pronounce it as “zwo-wan” with a falling tone on “zuo” and a rising tone followed by a falling tone on “wan.”
Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood, there are some regional variations in China when it comes to expressing “yesterday.” Below are a few notable examples:
Southern China
In addition to “尋日 (xúnrì)” mentioned earlier, Southern China has a couple of other popular alternatives:
頭晚 (tóuwǎn): This term is used in Hong Kong and some parts of Guangdong Province. It refers specifically to the evening of the previous day. Pronounce it as “tau-wan” with a rising tone on “tou” and a rising tone followed by a falling tone on “wan.”
琴日 (kàhn-yìh): Predominantly used in the Fujian province, this phrase means “yesterday” and is pronounced as “kan-yih.” Please note that it is less commonly known outside of the region.
Taiwan
In Taiwan, Hokkien (also known as Min Nan) is widely spoken alongside Mandarin Chinese. Here is how you can say “yesterday” in Hokkien:
昨日 (chai-niû): Pronounced as “chai-niu,” this Hokkien phrase represents “yesterday” and is frequently used in Taiwan. It’s worth noting that the official language in Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese, but Hokkien is commonly spoken in informal settings.
Tips and Examples
Now that we have covered the different ways to say “yesterday” in Chinese, let’s dive into some helpful tips and examples:
Tips:
- When in doubt, stick to the most standard option, “昨天 (zuótiān)”, as it is universally understood.
- Consider the context in which you are using the term. If you want to be more specific, use phrases like “昨晚 (zuówǎn)” for “last night” or “頭晚 (tóuwǎn)” for “the evening of the previous day.”
- Practice the correct pronunciation of each phrase to ensure effective communication.
Examples:
- 我昨天去了北京。(Wǒ zuótiān qù le Běijīng.) – I went to Beijing yesterday.
- 昨儿晚上我在家休息。(Zuór wǎnshang wǒ zài jiā xiūxi.) – I rested at home last night.
- 尋日天氣不好。(Xúnrì tiānqì bù hǎo.) – The weather was bad yesterday.
Congratulations! You now have a comprehensive understanding of how to say “yesterday” in Chinese. Practice these phrases, and soon you’ll be confidently incorporating them into your conversations.
Remember, learning a language is an exciting journey that opens doors to new cultures and connections. Embrace the process, stay motivated, and enjoy discovering Mandarin Chinese!
