上一次…,还是(在)…
the last time … was (as long ago as) …
Structure
上一次 发生某事 , 还是(在) 很久以前的时间
What it means
Shows how rare an event is: the last time it happened was as long ago as X, implying 'not since then'.
How it is built
上一次 + event + , + 还是(在) + a date long past: 这支球队上一次夺得冠军,还是在上个世纪 (the last time this team won the title was back in the last century).
When to use it
还是 here is neither 'or' nor 'still': it adds surprise at how long ago it was. Plain 上一次是在… just states the date; 上次 is the everyday form. Looking forward: 下一次…要到…(才…).
Watch out
Not for something that happens all the time, with no gap to remark on. 'Long ago' depends on context: 我上一次吃饭还是昨天中午 suits someone who hasn't eaten since.
Examples
上一次实行“适度宽松”,还是在2010年。
The last time policy had been “moderately loose” was in 2010.
上一次全家人坐在一起吃年夜饭,还是三年前的春节。
The last time the whole family sat down together to the New Year’s Eve dinner was three Spring Festivals ago.
这支球队上一次夺得冠军,还是在上个世纪。
The last time this team won the title was back in the last century.
Learn this in Lesson 190 · HSK 7–9: 央行降息了 (The central bank cuts rates)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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