ho2 m4 ho2 ji5可唔可以
Jyutpingho2 m4 ho2 ji5
Yalehó m̀h hó yíh
Definition
Can; is it possible to; may.
colloquialdaily actionscommunication
How it's used
This phrase is the standard way to ask for permission or ability in daily life. It functions as a question form of the modal verb 可以, where the repetition of the verb with the negative particle 唔 creates a polar question. It is significantly more natural in conversation than using 嗎 at the end of a sentence.
Examples
Is it allowed to eat here?
Related words
Common phrases
Could you say that again?
Could I get past?
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly add 嗎 to the end of this phrase, which is redundant and sounds unnatural because the question is already formed by the 可唔可以 structure.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
