gam1 zou2今早
Jyutpinggam1 zou2
Yalegām jóu
Definition
This morning.
colloquialtime
How it's used
While 今早 is perfectly understandable, it sounds slightly more formal or written than the ubiquitous 今朝. In everyday spoken Cantonese, native speakers almost exclusively use 今朝 to refer to the morning of the current day. Using 今早 in casual conversation can make you sound like you are reading from a news report or a formal announcement.
Examples
Have you eaten breakfast this morning?
I got up really early this morning to go to work.
Related words
Common phrases
this morning
Common mistake
Learners often default to 今早 because it looks like a direct combination of 今 and 早, but it lacks the natural rhythm of the spoken 今朝. Avoid using it in casual chats with friends to maintain a natural tone.
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.
