jan1 ho4因何
Jyutpingjan1 ho4
Yaleyān hòh
Definition
Why, or the reasons why.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
Carries a slightly more formal or literary tone compared to the ubiquitous 點解. It is frequently encountered in written Cantonese, song lyrics, or dramatic speech to add a touch of gravity or poetic flair. While perfectly understandable in daily conversation, using it in casual settings can make the speaker sound like they are reciting a line from a period drama.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this in very casual, fast-paced speech where 點解 is the standard. Using it too often in informal contexts can sound overly dramatic or affected.
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.
