hai6 mai6係咪系咪
Jyutpinghai6 mai6
Yalehaih maih
Definition
Is it? or Isn't it?; used to form yes-no questions or to seek confirmation.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
Functioning as a versatile question tag, this phrase is the standard way to turn a statement into a yes or no question. It is highly flexible and can be placed at the beginning of a sentence or inserted after the subject to seek confirmation. Unlike formal interrogatives, it carries a conversational tone that invites the listener to agree or clarify.
Examples
Are you going on a trip tomorrow?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it as a direct translation of the English word "is" or "are" in a statement. It is strictly for forming questions and cannot be used to declare that something is the case.
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.
