can1 zi6親自亲自
Jyutpingcan1 zi6
Yalechān jih
Definition
In person; to do something oneself rather than asking someone else to do it.
neutraldaily actions
How it's used
Emphasizes the direct involvement of the subject in an action, often highlighting sincerity or the importance of the task. It is frequently used when someone chooses to perform a duty themselves instead of delegating it to others. The term carries a slightly formal or serious tone compared to just saying 自己做.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
to take personal charge of a matter
to check something personally
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse this with 自己, but they are not interchangeable. While 自己 simply means self, 親自 specifically highlights the act of doing something personally to show effort or direct responsibility.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
