dong1 jin4當然当然
Jyutpingdong1 jin4
Yaledōng yìhn
Definition
Ex officio; automatically holding a position or status by virtue of one's office or identity.
neutralworkpeople
How it's used
Focuses strictly on the automatic acquisition of a role due to holding another position. Unlike the common adverbial use meaning of course, this specific usage functions as a modifier for titles or roles. It implies that the person holds the second position simply because they occupy the first one.
Examples
He is the president, so he is an ex officio member of the committee.
The principal is an ex officio school manager and does not need to be elected separately.
Related words
Common phrases
ex officio member
ex officio school manager
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the common adverbial meaning of course or naturally, leading to awkward phrasing when trying to describe official roles. Always ensure it is used as a modifier for a noun representing a position or status.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
