gau2 sing4九成
Jyutpinggau2 sing4
Yalegáu sìhng
Definition
Most likely; highly probable.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Expresses a high degree of probability based on intuition or observation. It functions similarly to an adverb meaning almost certainly or most likely. When speakers want to emphasize that something is an absolute certainty, they often use the stronger expression 十成十 instead.
Examples
He is almost certainly going to be late again.
Do you think it is highly likely that he will agree?
Related words
Common phrases
almost definitely
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe exact percentages in formal contexts, as it is strictly colloquial and carries a sense of subjective estimation rather than mathematical precision.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
