gu3 ci2故此
Jyutpinggu3 ci2
Yalegu chí
Definition
Hence; thus; therefore; used to introduce a point or result after stating a background or cause.
writtencommunication
How it's used
This conjunction serves as a formal bridge between a cause and its resulting action or conclusion. While it functions similarly to 所以, it carries a more serious and analytical tone, often appearing in news reports, business correspondence, or formal presentations. It is rarely used in casual, everyday speech between friends, where people would naturally opt for 所以 or 咁樣。
Examples
He is sick, hence he is not going to work today.
The weather is terrible, so we have cancelled the trip.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often overuse this in casual conversation, which can make them sound like they are reading from a formal document or a news broadcast. Stick to 所以 for daily interactions to avoid sounding overly stiff or unnatural.
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.
