gei1 jyun4機緣机缘
Jyutpinggei1 jyun4
Yalegēi yùhn
Definition
Chance, luck, or opportunity, often resulting from a fortunate coincidence.
neutralother
How it's used
Focuses on the intersection of timing and destiny rather than just a simple opportunity. It often carries a slightly literary or philosophical weight, suggesting that an event was meant to happen due to past connections or cosmic alignment. Use it when describing serendipitous meetings or unexpected turns of events that feel significant.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
It is a kind of fate that we could meet.
Do you think this time was just a lucky coincidence?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this as a direct synonym for everyday opportunities like job openings or chances to win a game, where 機會 is the standard choice. It is too formal and heavy for mundane situations.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
