hei2 nang4豈能岂能
Jyutpinghei2 nang4
Yalehéi nàhng
Definition
How can; how is it possible to.
writtendescriptions
How it's used
Carries a strong rhetorical tone that implies the answer is obviously negative. It is frequently used in formal speech or written contexts to express indignation or disbelief. While it functions as a question, it is rarely used to seek information, serving instead to emphasize a moral or logical stance.
Examples
How can we just sit back and do nothing?
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Avoid using this in casual, everyday requests for information, as it sounds overly dramatic or literary. For simple questions about possibility, use 點樣 or 點會 instead.
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.
