gu3 jin4 zi1固然之
Jyutpinggu3 jin4 zi1
Yalegu yìhn jī
Definition
No doubt; admittedly; of course.
writtenother
How it's used
Functions as a formal adverbial phrase used to concede a point before introducing a contrast or a logical consequence. It carries a slightly more literary or emphatic tone than simply using 當然. Speakers often use it in professional settings or when making a reasoned argument to acknowledge a premise before pivoting to a 'but' or 'however'.
Examples
He worked so hard, so he certainly deserves praise.
This plan is certainly good, but the cost is too high.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this in very casual, rapid-fire conversation, as it can sound overly stiff or academic. It is better suited for speeches, formal emails, or serious discussions rather than chatting with friends at a cafe.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
