There are many similarities between "time" and "years" in meaning, both of which represent the passage of time. "Time" emphasizes the passage of time itself, and "years" emphasizes the importance of time to life and history.

In traditional cultural forms such as poetry couplets, "time" and "year" often appear as relative concepts, forming philosophical opposition. Such as "time flies, time flies like an arrow", which expresses the ruthlessness and preciousness of time.