hei2 jyun4起源
Jyutpinghei2 jyun4
Yalehéi yùhn
Definition
Origin or source; the place where something first comes into existence.
neutralother
How it's used
Refers primarily to the beginning or source of abstract concepts, cultural phenomena, or historical events. It is rarely used for physical objects or people, where words like 來源 or 出處 are more natural choices. It carries a formal tone and is most commonly encountered in academic discussions, documentaries, or serious storytelling.
Examples
Do you know where the origin of this legend is?
The origin of this culture can be traced back to a long time ago.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe the source of a physical product or a person's background, as it sounds overly philosophical or grand in those contexts.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
