cang4增
Jyutpingcang4
Yalechàhng
Definition
To increase, add, or make more.
writtenworkdaily actions
How it's used
Functions primarily as a formal or literary morpheme rather than a standalone verb in daily speech. It is almost always paired with another character to form compound words like 增加 or 增長. When you want to express adding or increasing something in casual conversation, native speakers prefer using 加 or 加埋 instead.
Examples
It has gotten colder lately, need to add more clothes.
Will the company be hiring more staff this year?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it as a standalone verb in casual sentences, as it sounds overly formal or like written Chinese. Stick to 加 for everyday situations.
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.
