ci3 jyu1次於次于
Jyutpingci3 jyu1
Yalechi yū
Definition
Second to; next in importance, rank, or order.
writtendescriptions
How it's used
This term is primarily used in formal or written contexts to establish a hierarchy or ranking. While it functions as a verb, it often appears in comparative structures where one entity is explicitly measured against another. It carries a slightly more objective or analytical tone compared to purely colloquial expressions of comparison.
Examples
His ability is only second to the manager.
The popularity of this shop is second to that one.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this in casual speech where a simpler phrase like 冇咁好 or 輸畀 would be more natural. It is not typically used for physical position or proximity, but rather for abstract rankings like skill, status, or importance.
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.
