faai3快
Jyutpingfaai3
Yalefaai
Definition
Soon; shortly; in a short time in the future.
colloquialtimedescriptions
How it's used
Use 快 to describe speed or proximity in time, but note that it often functions as an adverbial modifier that requires a particle like 啲 to sound natural in requests. When expressing that something is happening shortly, it is common to pair it with 就 to emphasize the immediate future. It carries a sense of urgency that can sound impatient depending on the tone of voice.
Examples
When will you finish it soon?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 快 with 遲, but they are not direct opposites in all contexts. While 快 refers to speed or early timing, 遲 specifically refers to being late or delayed, rather than just being slow.
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.
