ci4 zou2遲早迟早
Jyutpingci4 zou2
Yalechìh jóu
Definition
Sooner or later; eventually; almost certain to happen at some point.
colloquialtime
How it's used
Used to express a sense of inevitability regarding a future event. It often carries a slightly ominous or cautionary tone when predicting negative outcomes, though it can also be used for neutral or positive predictions. It functions as an adverb and is typically placed before the verb phrase it modifies.
Examples
If you don't exercise, you will get sick sooner or later.
They will move out eventually, do you know?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse this with 遲啲, which means later or afterwards. While 遲早 implies that the event is bound to happen, 遲啲 simply refers to a future time without the same sense of certainty.
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.
