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March 24, 2026
岁月(歲月)suìyuè(sui4yue4)
岁月 (suìyuè) refers to the passage of years and time, often evoking a sense of nostalgia or reflection on the past. It is commonly used in both literary contexts and everyday speech to express the idea of time passing and its impact on life and experiences.
Frequency#7843DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 岁月 is often associated with the idea of filial piety and the importance of honoring one’s ancestors, reflecting on how time shapes familial relationships and values across generations.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tree growing over the years (岁), as its rings represent the passage of time (月). Each ring tells a story of the seasons, much like how岁月 captures the essence of life’s journey through time.
Meanings of 岁月
suìyuè(sui4yue4)
1years
2time
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 岁月
岁月Simplified
歲月Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
时间词time word (t.)Part of Speech
#7843Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 岁月
Podcast: 岁月
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AI Study Notes for 岁月
Quick Contrast
光阴 (guāngyīn) - use 岁月 when emphasizing the emotional or reflective aspects of time, whereas 光阴 often highlights the fleeting nature of time.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tree growing over the years (岁), as its rings represent the passage of time (月). Each ring tells a story of the seasons, much like how岁月 captures the essence of life’s journey through time.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context in which you use 岁月, as it often carries a poetic or reflective tone. Avoid using it in overly casual settings, and remember that it typically pairs with expressions about life experiences or memories, such as '流逝的岁月' (the years that have passed).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 岁月 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to time and life experiences. Focus on using it in sentences that discuss personal growth or reflections on the past to enhance your understanding and usage.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 岁月 is often associated with the idea of filial piety and the importance of honoring one’s ancestors, reflecting on how time shapes familial relationships and values across generations.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 岁月 with 时间 (shíjiān), thinking they are interchangeable. However, 岁月 carries a connotation of nostalgia, while 时间 is more neutral. For example, saying '我喜欢岁月' (I like years) sounds awkward; instead, use '我喜欢时间' for neutrality.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 岁月
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Grammar Patterns of 岁月
岁月 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
逝去的____让他们平添了几分魅力。
It infected them with some of the magic of a lost age.
Example Sentences for 岁月 (10)
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1
逝去的岁月让他们平添了几分魅力。
shì qù de suì yuè ràng tā mén píng tiān le jī fēn mèi lì。
It infected them with some of the magic of a lost age.
2
他们互相关心，关系牢固，这才熬过了艰难岁月。
tā mén hù xiāng guān xīn， ， guān xì láo， gù ， zhè cái āo guò le jiān nán。
The warmth and strength of their relationship carried them through difficult times.
3
这次胜利勾起了他对往昔那些夺冠岁月的美好回忆。
zhè cì shèng lì gōu qǐ le tā duì wǎng xī nà xiē duó guān suì yuè de měi hǎo huí yì。
The win revived glorious memories of his championship-winning days.
4
他描述了被俘4个月里挣扎求生的艰难岁月。
tā miáo shù le bèi fú4 4 gè yuè lǐ zhèng zā qiú shēng de jiān nán suì。
He described the difficulties of surviving for four months as a captive.
Time has winnowed out certain of the essays as superior.
8
无数的是非颠倒使过去的岁月伤痕累累。
wú shù de shì fēi diān dǎo shǐ guò qù de suì yuè shāng hén léi léi。
The past has been scarred by countless perversions of justice.
9
以后的长久的岁月只是无终局的苦刑.
yǐ hòu de cháng jiǔ de suì yuè zhī shì wú zhōng jú de kǔ xíng.
In the long years ahead there would be only endless pain and misery.
10
随着岁月的流逝，他觉得受困于婚姻的某些现实问题。
suí zháo suì yuè de liú shì， ， tā jué dé shòu kùn yú hūn yīn de mǒu xiē xiàn shí wèn。
As the years passed he felt trapped by certain realities of marriage.
Cultural Notes for 岁月
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 岁月 is often associated with the idea of filial piety and the importance of honoring one’s ancestors, reflecting on how time shapes familial relationships and values across generations.
Frequently Asked Questions about 岁月
You can say '岁月如歌', which means 'Time flows like a song', to express how time is both beautiful and transient.
Yes, 岁月 tends to have a more poetic and reflective tone compared to the more straightforward '时间' (shíjiān) for 'time'.
While you can use it, it's more suited for literary or reflective discussions rather than casual chat.
