goi1該该
Jyutpinggoi1
Yalegōi
Definition
Ought to, should, or must.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
While 該 is understood in Cantonese, it is almost exclusively used in the negative form 唔應該 to express that something is improper or shouldn't happen. In positive contexts, speakers overwhelmingly prefer using 應該 or even just 係時候 to express obligation. Using 該 on its own in spoken Cantonese can sound overly formal or even literary, similar to how one might perceive archaic English.
Examples
You did wrong, you ought to apologize to them.
This report ought to be handed in by tomorrow.
Related words
Common phrases
should not
Common mistake
Avoid using 該 as a direct substitute for 'should' in every context, as it sounds stiff and unnatural in casual conversation. Stick to 應該 for standard speech.
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.
