十年 — meaning in English: ten years

shí nián · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for decade

增益

zēngyì

十年

shí nián

合同

hétóng

延迟

yánchí

机会

jīhuì

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Mandarin Chinese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use '十年' (shí nián) when discussing significant time spans, such as personal milestones, historical events, or life changes. For instance, one might say, '在过去的十年中，我学会了很多' (In the past ten years, I have learned a lot) during a casual conversation about personal growth.

Synonyms & nuances

'十年' is straightforward in indicating a decade, while other terms like '一 décennie' (decade) may also refer to ten-year periods but are often used in a more formal or academic context. You would choose '十年' in everyday discussions or when emphasizing personal experiences over the more formal alternatives.

Culture

'十年' carries a weight of reflection in Chinese culture, often associated with the proverb '十年树木，百年树人' (It takes ten years to grow a tree, but a hundred years to nurture a person). This highlights the importance of patience and dedication over time, making this phrase resonate deeply in discussions about education and personal development.

FAQ

Q.How do you say 'ten years' in Mandarin Chinese?

'Ten years' in Mandarin Chinese is '十年' (shí nián). It can be used in various contexts, both formal and informal, to denote a period of ten years.

Q.What is the significance of the word '十年' in Chinese culture?

'十年' (shí nián) is often associated with reflection and growth, especially in the context of education and personal development, emphasizing the value of long-term commitment.

Q.Are there any grammatical rules I should know when using '十年'?

When using '十年' (shí nián) in sentences, it’s important to pair it with appropriate time-related verbs or phrases. For example, you might say '经历了十年' (experienced ten years) to convey personal experiences over the decade.

Learn mandarin chinese with Maspeak →

Chinese (Mandarin) 2000