faan4 si6凡事
Jyutpingfaan4 si6
Yalefàahn sih
Definition
Everything; all things; any matter (used as a subject).
neutraldaily actions
How it's used
Functions as a formal or literary adverbial modifier in written Chinese, but in spoken Cantonese, it is often used to emphasize a sense of universality or inevitability. It frequently pairs with the particle 都 to stress that every single instance of a situation is included. While it can appear at the start of a sentence, it is also common to place it after the subject to add a slightly philosophical or reflective tone to one's advice.
Examples
You should think clearly before doing anything.
You are so nervous about everything, you will easily get sick.
Related words
Common phrases
leave a margin in everything
everything is like this
Common mistake
Avoid using it as a direct object. Unlike the English word everything, it cannot be placed after a verb like 做 or 講. For example, saying 佢做凡事 is grammatically incorrect; use 佢做咩都得 instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
