ceoi4 fei1除非
Jyutpingceoi4 fei1
Yalechèuih fēi
Definition
Unless; only if, expressing that a condition is the sole exception.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
This conjunction is frequently paired with 唔係 or 否則 to complete the logical structure of the sentence. It carries a strong sense of setting a necessary condition, often implying that the speaker is reluctant to proceed otherwise. While it functions similarly to English, it is common to emphasize the condition by placing the 除非 clause at the very beginning of the sentence.
Examples
Unless you are willing to treat me, I won't go.
Unless it rains heavily, we will still go hiking tomorrow.
Related words
Common phrases
ceoi4除fei1非...m4唔hai6係...
unless... otherwise...
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use 除非 with 唔會 or other negative markers inside the same clause, which creates a double negative that can confuse the intended meaning. Keep the 除非 clause positive and let the following clause handle the negative outcome.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
