dong1 ngo5當我当我
Jyutpingdong1 ngo5
Yaledōng ngóh
Definition
When I; at the moment that I.
colloquialtimecommunication
How it's used
Native speakers often prefer using 嗰陣 or 嗰陣時 at the end of the clause instead of starting with 當我. Using 當我 at the beginning of a sentence can sound slightly formal or literary, reminiscent of written Chinese structures. In casual speech, it is more common to simply state the time or situation followed by a comma.
Examples
When I saw him, I was really startled.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using 當我 to mean 'treat me as' or 'consider me', which is a common confusion with the Mandarin usage of 當. In Cantonese, use 當我係 for that meaning instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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Connector
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.
