daan3 zik6旦夕
Jyutpingdaan3 zik6
Yaledaan jihk
Definition
In a very short time; instantly or in a single day.
writtentimeother
How it's used
Carries a formal and literary tone, often appearing in news reports or dramatic storytelling rather than casual conversation. It functions primarily as an adverbial phrase to describe a state of extreme urgency or impending doom. When used, it almost exclusively pairs with the concept of life or death.
Examples
He is very ill and could pass away at any moment.
This situation is in imminent danger.
Related words
Common phrases
in imminent danger
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common time expression, but it is restricted to high-stakes contexts involving danger or mortality. Avoid using it to describe everyday delays or short periods of time like waiting for a bus.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
