ging2竟
Jyutpingging2
Yalegíng
Definition
Unexpectedly; to one's surprise; actually; go so far as to.
colloquialdescriptionsemotion
How it's used
This adverb highlights a sense of surprise or disbelief regarding an outcome. It is frequently paired with 咁 to emphasize the degree of the unexpected action or state. While it can appear alone, it often carries a slightly critical or judgmental tone depending on the context.
Examples
He unexpectedly forgot to bring his keys.
Are you actually able to cook?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 居然, which is a near synonym. However, 竟然 feels slightly more personal and emotionally charged, making it more common in direct address or when expressing shock at someone's specific behavior.
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.
