ci5似
Jyutpingci5
Yalechíh
Definition
To look like, resemble, or seem to be.
- to look like; to resemble in appearance
- to seem; to appear to be
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Beyond physical resemblance, this word is frequently used to express that a situation seems likely or follows a certain pattern. It often appears in the structure 似係 to indicate that something appears to be the case, even if it is not confirmed. When comparing two things, it is common to use 似樣 to describe that they share a similar quality or appearance.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 似 with 像. While 像 is common in written Chinese and Mandarin, 似 is the standard choice in spoken Cantonese. Avoid using 像 in casual conversation to sound more natural.
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.
