gaai1 jan1皆因
Jyutpinggaai1 jan1
Yalegāai yān
Definition
Because; due to; owing to.
writtenother
How it's used
Carries a slightly formal or literary tone compared to the everyday causal markers like 因為 or 係因為. It is frequently used in written Cantonese or when someone wants to provide a more definitive, explanatory reason for a situation. It often appears at the beginning of a clause to highlight the cause before stating the result.
Examples
He came back so late because of the traffic jam.
Because it was raining, we cancelled the event.
Related words
Common phrases
because of this
Common mistake
Avoid using it in very casual, rapid-fire speech, as it can sound slightly stiff or overly dramatic for trivial matters. It is not interchangeable with 係因為 when you are specifically identifying the cause as being a person or a specific entity.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
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.
