gei2 jyun2幾遠几远
Jyutpinggei2 jyun2
Yalegéi yún
Definition
Quite far, or how far.
- quite far; pretty far
- how far; what distance
colloquialdescriptionsplaces
How it's used
Using 幾 before an adjective acts as a softener, suggesting a moderate degree that is often slightly subjective. It frequently carries an undertone of mild surprise or serves to confirm an observation. Unlike the Mandarin equivalent, this construction is highly versatile and fits naturally into almost any casual description of distance or quantity.
Examples
It is actually quite far from here to the airport.
Common mistake
Avoid using 幾遠 as a direct question for distance when asking for a specific measurement, as it implies a subjective assessment rather than a request for factual data. For objective inquiries, use 幾遠 as a predicate in a yes or no question, or use 幾多公里 to ask for the exact distance.
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.
