ging3 zi6逕自迳自
Jyutpingging3 zi6
Yaleging jih
Definition
To do something on one's own, or without consulting others.
writtendaily actionspeople
How it's used
Carries a slightly formal or literary tone, often implying that the subject acted without consulting others or seeking permission. It is frequently used to describe an action that might be perceived as impolite or presumptuous because it bypasses social norms of consensus. While it functions as an adverb, it is rarely heard in casual, rapid-fire street slang.
Examples
Why did you decide this all by yourself?
Related words
Common phrases
to leave without notice
to decide unilaterally
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 自己, but 逕自 specifically emphasizes the act of bypassing others or acting unilaterally, whereas 自己 is a neutral pronoun for self.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
