hou2 tai2好睇
Jyutpinghou2 tai2
Yalehóu tái
Definition
To depend heavily on; to hinge on another factor.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
This expression functions as a colloquial way to introduce a condition or a deciding factor. It carries a slightly more informal and subjective tone than the more formal 視乎. It is frequently used to explain why a situation might vary from person to person or case to case.
Examples
Whether this job is good or not really depends on your boss.
Success or failure really depends on whether you have the perseverance to keep going.
Related words
Common phrases
depends on the individual
depends on the situation
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the literal meaning of good-looking, which is also written as 好睇. Context is essential to distinguish between the conditional meaning and the visual description of something being attractive or worth watching.
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.
