jaa5也
Jyutpingjaa5
Yaleyáh
Definition
Also, too, as well, or either, indicating a shared situation or attribute.
writtenother
How it's used
Cantonese speakers almost exclusively use 都 to express the meaning of also or too in daily speech. While 也 exists in the language, it is strictly reserved for formal writing or literary contexts. Using 也 in casual conversation will sound unnatural or overly dramatic, as if you are reciting poetry.
Related words
Common phrases
also
Common mistake
Learners often try to use 也 because it is the standard word in Mandarin, but it is effectively a false friend in spoken Cantonese. Always replace it with 都 to sound natural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
