gei2 noi6幾耐几耐
Jyutpinggei2 noi6
Yalegéi noih
Definition
How long; a question word asking about the duration of time.
colloquialtime
How it's used
Focus on duration rather than a specific point in time. It is the standard way to ask about the length of an activity or the time required to complete a task. When answering, speakers often use a duration phrase followed by 咁耐 to emphasize the length.
Examples
How long have you been waiting here?
How long does it take to get to the airport from home?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 幾時, which asks for a specific point in time or date. Using 幾耐 to ask when something happens is a common error.
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.
