caan1 si2餐屎
Jyutpingcaan1 si2
Yalechāan sí
Definition
Chance; opportunity.
colloquialother
How it's used
Derived from the English word "chance," this term is a classic example of Cantonese phonetic borrowing. It is used almost exclusively in informal, spoken contexts to discuss the possibility or opportunity of something happening. It sounds very casual and is often used when expressing frustration about a lack of options.
Examples
Do you still have a chance to win?
There is absolutely no chance to fix it.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this in formal writing or professional settings, as it is strictly a colloquial phonetic loan. It is also not a direct translation for "opportunity" in the sense of a career advancement or a formal opening, where 機會 is the standard term.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
