gong1 coi4剛才刚才
Jyutpinggong1 coi4
Yalegōng chòih
Definition
Just now; just a moment ago.
colloquialtime
How it's used
While 剛才 is understood in Hong Kong, it is considered a Mandarin loanword and sounds quite formal or written in a Cantonese context. Locals almost exclusively use 啱啱 in daily speech to express the same meaning of a very recent past. Using 啱啱 makes your Cantonese sound significantly more natural and native.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use 剛才 because they see it in textbooks, but it can sound stiff or overly literary in casual conversation. Stick to 啱啱 for all everyday situations.
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.
