hou2 jat6好日
Jyutpinghou2 jat6
Yalehóu yaht
Definition
Rarely; seldom; on a rare occasion.
colloquialtime
How it's used
Emphasizes a significant lack of occurrence, often implying that the event is special or unexpected when it finally happens. It functions as a stronger version of 好少, carrying a slightly more dramatic or complaining tone. The structure almost always requires a negative particle like 唔 or 冇 to complete the sense of scarcity.
Examples
He rarely comes home for dinner.
You hardly ever reach out to me, what's up today?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 好日子, which refers to a lucky or auspicious day. Learners sometimes mistakenly use it to mean a good day, but in this adverbial context, it strictly describes low frequency.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
