can1嚫
Jyutpingcan1
Yalechān
Definition
An aspect marker indicating an injury, or a conjunction meaning whenever.
- aspect marker indicating that an action resulted in a minor injury
- whenever; every time that
colloquialparticleemotion
How it's used
This particle functions as a marker for recurring, often annoying, negative events. It implies that the action or state happens automatically or predictably whenever a specific trigger occurs. It is almost always preceded by 一 to emphasize the immediate connection between the trigger and the result.
Examples
Why do you always lose your temper whenever something happens?
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the standard conditional marker 一...就, but 嚫 specifically carries a nuance of frustration or an undesirable outcome. Do not use it for positive or neutral recurring events.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
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Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
