can2矧
Jyutpingcan2
Yalechán
Definition
An interrogative particle, or a conjunction meaning "not to speak of" or "still more".
- literarynot to speak of; let alone; still more
- archaicinterrogative particle
writtenother
How it's used
This is a highly literary and formal conjunction that is rarely heard in everyday spoken Cantonese. It functions similarly to the English phrase "let alone" or "not to mention" when highlighting that if a basic condition is not met, a more advanced one is even less likely. Most native speakers would prefer using the more common colloquial phrase 講都唔使講 or 仲使講 instead.
Examples
He doesn't even know how to write characters, let alone write an essay.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common spoken word because it appears in some written texts, but using it in casual conversation will sound extremely unnatural or pretentious.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
