gan6 jat6近日
Jyutpinggan6 jat6
Yalegahn yaht
Definition
Recently; lately; over the past few days.
neutraltime
How it's used
While often used in written reports or news, it is perfectly acceptable in spoken Cantonese to describe events occurring over the last few days. It carries a slightly more formal or serious tone compared to the very common 最近. Use this when you want to emphasize a specific, short duration of time rather than a general recent period.
Examples
The weather has been very unpredictable lately, remember to bring an umbrella.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to refer to the distant past or a long duration, as it specifically implies the immediate few days. Learners sometimes mistakenly use it as a direct synonym for 最近 in all contexts, but 最近 is much more flexible for longer timeframes.
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.
