jat1 wui6一會一会
Jyutpingjat1 wui6
Yaleyāt wuih
Definition
A short period of time; a while, usually measured in minutes.
colloquialtime
How it's used
While 一會 is understood in Cantonese, native speakers overwhelmingly prefer 一陣 when talking about a short duration. Using 一會 can sound slightly more formal or literary, sometimes carrying a nuance of waiting for a specific event to happen rather than just passing time. It is common to see it in written contexts or formal announcements, whereas 一陣 is the go-to for casual, everyday speech.
Examples
Wait for me a while, I will leave once I grab my bag.
He sat for a while then got up and left.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 一會 with 一陣. While they are interchangeable in many contexts, 一陣 is much more natural in spoken Cantonese. Avoid using 一會 if you want to sound like a local in a casual setting.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
