jan1 mat1 si6因乜事
Jyutpingjan1 mat1 si6
Yaleyān māt sih
Definition
Why; for what reason; how come.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
This phrase is a slightly more formal or emphatic way of asking why compared to the ubiquitous 點解. It carries a sense of seeking a specific justification or cause for an event, often implying that the situation is unexpected or requires explanation. While it works in casual conversation, it is frequently used when someone is genuinely puzzled or demanding an account for an action.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 點解, but using it too frequently can make your speech sound overly inquisitive or slightly aggressive. It is better to stick to 點解 for routine questions and reserve this for when you are truly seeking a reason behind a specific, unusual occurrence.
Grammar color guide
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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.
