daai6 si6大事
Jyutpingdaai6 si6
Yaledaaih sih
Definition
An important matter, major issue, or highly impactful event.
neutralother
How it's used
Often used to describe life milestones like marriage or graduation, which are referred to as 人生大事. While it can mean a serious issue, it is frequently used in a slightly hyperbolic way to emphasize the significance of an event in a conversation. It carries a heavier weight than just saying 緊要事.
Measure word
gin2件gínExamples
This is a major life event, don't be so casual about it.
What big things happened today?
Related words
Common phrases
major life event
something bad is about to happen
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 唔係大事, which is a common way to say something is not a big deal or no problem at all. Learners sometimes mistakenly use it to describe a big object, but it strictly refers to events or matters, not physical size.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
