ho2 ji5可以
Jyutpingho2 ji5
Yalehó yíh
Definition
May; can; to be able to, representing permission, objective possibility, or ability.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
While 可以 is widely understood, Cantonese speakers often prefer using the verb followed by 到 to express physical capability or success in achieving an action. For instance, 食到 is more natural than 可以食 when describing the ability to finish a meal. Use 可以 primarily when discussing permission, possibility, or objective circumstances rather than raw physical ability.
Examples
Is parking allowed here?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often overuse 可以 in contexts where the result of an action is being described. If you mean you have successfully completed a task, use the resultative complement 到 instead of adding 可以 before the verb.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
