gan6 loi4近來近来
Jyutpinggan6 loi4
Yalegahn lòih
Definition
Recently; in recent times; lately.
neutraltime
How it's used
Focuses on a duration of time leading up to the present moment, often implying a change or a state that has persisted over the last few weeks or months. It feels slightly more formal or literary than the common spoken alternative 呢排, which is used almost exclusively in casual conversation.
Examples
He has been going out very little recently.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it to describe a specific point in the past, as it specifically refers to the ongoing period leading up to now. Beginners sometimes confuse it with 呢排, but 呢排 is much more natural in daily speech while 近來 can sound a bit more reflective or written.
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.
