dak1 zi1得知
Jyutpingdak1 zi1
Yaledāk jī
Definition
To find out, learn, or be informed of something.
writtencommunication
How it's used
Carries a formal or written tone that feels slightly detached compared to the everyday spoken word 知道. It is most commonly used in news reports, professional correspondence, or when discussing official announcements. Using it in casual conversation can make you sound like you are reading from a formal document or being overly serious.
Examples
How did you find out about this news?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use it interchangeably with 知道, but 知道 is the standard, neutral way to say know or learn of something. Using 得知 in a casual setting like talking to friends about weekend plans will sound unnatural and stiff.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
