Definition
- B1
Used at the beginning of children's stories to indicate a time long ago.
用於兒童故事的開頭，表示「很久以前」。
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess living in a castle.
很久很久以前，有一位美麗的公主住在城堡裡。
Once upon a time, there was a talking cat that loved to go on adventures.
很久很久以前，有一隻會說話的貓，喜歡去冒險。
Once upon a time, a friendly dragon lived in the forest.
很久很久以前，有一隻友善的龍住在森林裡。
Used to express nostalgia for something that happened in the past, especially when lamenting that it no longer occurs.
（表示怀旧）往昔，曾經
Once upon a time, we used to play together in the park; now everyone is too busy.
曾幾何時，我們常常一起在公園裡玩耍；現在每個人都太忙了。
Once upon a time, this city was full of green trees; now it is all high buildings.
曾幾何時，這座城市到處都是綠樹；現在全是高樓大廈。
Once upon a time, people wrote letters; now everyone uses emails.
曾幾何時，人們會寫信；現在每個人都用電子郵件。