gan2 jiu3 si6緊要事紧要事
Jyutpinggan2 jiu3 si6
Yalegán yiu sih
Definition
An urgent, important, or critical matter.
colloquialworkdaily actions
How it's used
Often used to signal that someone is busy or needs to leave immediately. It carries a sense of priority that justifies interrupting a conversation or declining an invitation. While it sounds professional, it is equally common in casual settings when explaining a sudden change of plans.
Measure word
gin2件gínExamples
I have some urgent matters to deal with right now.
Related words
Common phrases
handle an urgent matter
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 緊要, which is an adjective meaning important or critical. 緊要事 is a noun phrase, so it must be used as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence, rather than describing a state of being.
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.
