ho2 fau2可否
Jyutpingho2 fau2
Yalehó fáu
Definition
Can or cannot; whether it is possible or permitted to do something.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
Although 可否 is widely understood in Cantonese, it is significantly more formal than the standard spoken 可唔可以. It is often used in written communication, formal emails, or when someone wants to sound slightly more polite or serious. In casual daily conversation, native speakers almost exclusively use 可唔可以.
Examples
Can we talk about this tomorrow instead?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use 可否 in very casual settings where it sounds overly stiff or literary. It is better to stick to 可唔可以 for everyday interactions to avoid sounding like you are reading from a formal document.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
