ci4持

Jyutpingci4

Yalechìh

語素Uncommon

Definition

To maintain; to keep; to cause a state to remain unchanged.

neutraldaily actions

How it's used

Functions primarily as a bound morpheme in Cantonese, rarely appearing as a standalone verb in daily speech. It is most frequently encountered in formal or written-style compounds like 保持 or 持續. When expressing the idea of keeping or maintaining something in casual conversation, speakers almost always prefer using 拎, 攞, or 保持 instead.

Examples

nei5你jat1一ding6定jiu3要ci4持zi1之ji5以hang4恆sin1先wui2會sing4成gung1功㗎。

You must be persistent to succeed.

keoi5佢dei6哋dim2點joeng2樣ci4持gaa1家jau5有dou6道㗎gaa3呢？

How do they manage their household so well?

Common phrases

ci4持zi1之ji5以hang4恆

to persevere

ci4持gaa1家

to manage a household

Common mistake

Do not use this as a standalone verb to mean hold or carry, as that is a common error for learners who confuse it with 拎. It lacks the physical sense of holding an object in one's hand.