jan1 gwo2因果
Jyutpingjan1 gwo2
Yaleyān gwó
Definition
Cause and effect, or the religious concept of karma in Buddhism and Hinduism.
- cause and effect; causality
- karma; the principle that all actions have corresponding moral consequences
neutralother
How it's used
Beyond the philosophical or religious sense of karma, this term is frequently used in formal or analytical contexts to describe logical connections. When used in everyday speech, it often carries a slightly ominous or moralistic tone, implying that one's current situation is a direct result of past actions.
Examples
It's really hard to say if there's any cause and effect in their relationship.
You've done so many bad things, sooner or later you'll have to face the consequences.
Related words
Common phrases
causal relationship
good deeds bring good rewards
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the Mandarin usage which is strictly philosophical; in Cantonese, it can be used more broadly to describe simple logical sequences, though it still retains a formal weight that makes it sound slightly out of place in very casual, lighthearted conversation.
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.
