hap1 hou2恰好
Jyutpinghap1 hou2
Yalehāp hóu
Definition
By coincidence; happening at just the right time.
neutraltimedaily actions
How it's used
Although this word is understood in Cantonese, it sounds slightly formal or literary compared to the much more common 咁啱. Using 咁啱 in daily speech makes you sound more natural and less like you are reading from a textbook. It is often used to describe a fortunate or unexpected alignment of timing.
Examples
I just happened to pass by and saw him.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 啱啱, which specifically refers to 'just now' or 'a moment ago'. While 恰好 implies coincidence, 啱啱 focuses on the recency of an action.
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.
