hou2 zoeng6好像
Jyutpinghou2 zoeng6
Yalehóu jeuhng
Definition
Apparently; seemingly; as if, showing signs of a certain situation that makes it seem likely.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Often paired with the particle 咁 at the end of the clause to emphasize the appearance or impression being described. It functions as a modal adverb to soften assertions, making statements sound less direct or absolute. When expressing a strong hunch, speakers frequently use it alongside 似 to form the structure 好似係.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it to mean 'similar to' in the sense of 'resembling' when comparing two nouns directly, as that usage is more common in Mandarin; in Cantonese, 似 or 咁似 is preferred for direct comparison.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
