📖 Meaning
A phrase used to estimate the passage of time. It indicates that a considerable amount of time has already elapsed. Often used to reflect on how long something has been going on or how much time has passed.
📜 Origin Story
No specific classical text is recorded as the definitive origin of this idiom. It belongs to the category of time-estimation expressions in classical Chinese, used to convey that a substantial period has gone by. Such phrases were common in literary and vernacular writings to mark the duration of events or the passage of seasons. The construction pairs estimation (许) with quantity (多) to emphasize the length of time elapsed.
💡 Example Usage
自离别以来日许多时，不知故人可曾安好。
Much time has passed since we parted; I wonder if my old friend is well.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 日许多时
- Pinyin: rì xǔ duō shí
- Literal Translation: day, estimate, many, time
- Category: Philosophy
- Characters: 4