jam1 ci2欽此钦此
Jyutpingjam1 ci2
Yaleyām chí
Definition
Imperial decree; "herewith by imperial order" (used at the end of an imperial command).
colloquialother
How it's used
Originally used at the end of imperial edicts to signify the Emperor's personal authority, this term is now almost exclusively used in a sarcastic or playful manner. It functions as a mock-authoritative way to end a conversation or demand obedience. Using it in a serious context today would be seen as bizarre or highly pretentious.
Examples
When the Emperor says '欽此', it means he is telling you to shut up immediately.
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a standard way to end a formal letter or instruction, but it is strictly a historical term that has been repurposed for humor. Avoid using it in any professional or genuine administrative context.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
