ceoi4 zik1隨即随即
Jyutpingceoi4 zik1
Yalechèuih jīk
Definition
Immediately, promptly, or within a very short period of time.
writtentime
How it's used
This word carries a formal or literary tone that is more common in written reports, news, or formal announcements than in casual conversation. While it functions as an adverb meaning immediately, it implies a logical sequence where one action follows another without delay. In everyday speech, native speakers almost always prefer using 即刻 or 馬上 instead.
Examples
After saying that, he immediately turned around and left.
Once you receive the notice, you need to come over immediately to help.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use this in casual settings where it sounds overly stiff or bookish. It is better to reserve this for formal writing or professional contexts.
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.
