ging2 jin4竟然

Jyutpingging2 jin4

Yalegíng yìhn

副詞Very common

Definition

Unexpectedly; to one's surprise; actually; go so far as to.

colloquialdescriptionsemotion

How it's used

Expresses genuine surprise or disbelief at an outcome that contradicts expectations. It often carries a slightly stronger emotional weight than the Mandarin equivalent, frequently appearing with particles like 添 or 喎 to emphasize the speaker's shock. It is common to see it paired with 估唔到 to reinforce the sense of being caught off guard.

Examples

keoi5佢ging2竟jin4然m4唔gei3記dak1得daai3帶ngan4銀baau1包ceot1出gaai1街aa4呀。

He actually forgot to bring his wallet out.

nei5你ging2竟jin4然wui2會zyu2煮faan6飯，zan1真hai6係gu2估m4唔dou3到wo5喎！

You actually know how to cook? I really didn't expect that!

Common phrases

ging2竟jin4然zung6仲

actually even

gu2估m4唔dou2到ging2竟jin4然

didn't expect that actually

Common mistake

Avoid using it for neutral or expected events, as it specifically highlights a deviation from what was anticipated. Using it for mundane, predictable occurrences makes the speaker sound overly dramatic or sarcastic.