gin3建
Jyutpinggin3
Yalegin
Definition
To build, construct, or establish.
neutralworkother
How it's used
建 is a formal morpheme that rarely stands alone in spoken Cantonese. It is almost always paired with other characters to form compound verbs like 建造 or 建立. When you want to express the act of building something physical in daily life, use 起 instead.
Examples
The government plans to build a new bridge.
When will you guys finish building this website?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to use 建 as a standalone verb, but it sounds unnatural and overly literary in conversation. Always use 起 for physical construction or 建立 for abstract concepts like relationships or systems.
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.
