jat1 daan3一旦
Jyutpingjat1 daan3
Yaleyāt daan
Definition
Once; in case; if; used to introduce a hypothetical event and its subsequent consequence.
writtenother
How it's used
This conjunction is primarily used in formal or written contexts to introduce a hypothetical condition that carries a sense of urgency or serious consequence. In everyday spoken Cantonese, it is far more common to use 萬一 or 如果 to express the same idea of a potential future event. Using it in casual conversation can make you sound like you are reading from a news report or a formal warning sign.
Examples
If it rains, we will cancel the event.
If anything happens, remember to call me.
Related words
Common phrases
in the event that it happens
Common mistake
Learners often overuse this in casual speech where 萬一 is much more natural. While 萬一 implies a negative or undesirable outcome, 一旦 is neutral and can be used for both positive and negative hypothetical situations.
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.
