当年

• Pinyin: dāng nián
• Hanzi breakdown: 当 (that time) + 年 (year)

Meaning

In those years; back then; at that time. Refers to a specific period in the past being discussed.

Used to recall past events or times, often with a nostalgic tone. Can refer to a specific year being discussed or more generally to a past era. Commonly used when sharing memories or historical accounts.

Examples

1. 当年我们一起在这所学校读书，现在都已经成家立业了。 Back then we studied together at this school, and now we've all started families and careers.
2. 爷爷经常讲起当年打仗时的故事。 Grandpa often tells stories about the war years.
3. 当年的那个小村庄，如今已经变成了繁华的城市。 That small village from back then has now become a prosperous city.

Usage Guide

Context: reminiscence, storytelling, history

Tone: nostalgic

Do Say

• 当年我们多年轻啊。(How young we were back then.)
• 当年的事我还记得。(I still remember what happened back then.)

Don't Say

• '当年'指过去——不要用于未来，如'当年我们会成功'，应该用'到时候'或'将来' (当年 refers to the past — don't use it for the future; use 到时候 or 将来 instead)

Origin & History

Compound of 当 (that, at) + 年 (year), meaning at that year or in those days.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal