heoi3 maa5去馬去马
Jyutpingheoi3 maa5
Yaleheui máh
Definition
To start a project, kick off an activity, or take action.
colloquialdaily actionswork
How it's used
Originating from horse racing terminology, this phrase has evolved into a versatile way to express the initiation of any task or plan. It carries a sense of decisive action and momentum, often implying that the planning phase is over and the execution begins now. It is frequently used in professional or collaborative settings to signal that it is time to stop talking and start doing.
Examples
Since everyone is ready, let's get started right away!
When are you going to start working on that project?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this in formal written reports or official business correspondence, as it remains strictly colloquial. It is also not typically used for starting a physical journey, such as going to a specific location, but rather for starting a process or an undertaking.
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.
