hau6 mei1後尾后尾
Jyutpinghau6 mei1
Yalehauh mēi
Definition
Afterwards, later, or at the end; referring to events occurring afterward or the last in a sequence.
- afterwards; later; after that
- the end; the last one in a sequence
colloquialtime
How it's used
Functions as a narrative bridge to describe events that occur chronologically after a previously mentioned point in time. It is significantly more common in casual speech than the more formal 後來. It often implies a sense of sequence or a change in circumstances from the initial state.
Examples
He left earlier, but came back later.
How did you all handle this matter afterwards?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 後面, which refers to physical location or position behind something. Using 後尾 to describe someone standing behind you will sound 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.
