那里从前是叫兰水镇
“It used to be called Lanshui Town.”
THE DIALOGUE REEL
“but you can't even get the name right.”
那里从前是叫 兰水镇
“It used to be called Lanshui Town.”
Direct spoken expression in this communicative setting.
In imperial China, towns were often renamed to celebrate notable local scholars passing the civil service examinations.
LEARNING CHUNKS & PARTICLES
in the past / previously
Commonly placed before verbs or adjectives to denote previous states or former eras.
was called / used to be named
Used to confirm or clarify an official or common name.