jat1 ziu1 jat1 zik6一朝一夕
Jyutpingjat1 ziu1 jat1 zik6
Yaleyāt jīu yāt jihk
Definition
A very short period of time; a single day.
neutraltimedescriptions
How it's used
Emphasizes the accumulation of effort over time, almost exclusively appearing in negative constructions to highlight that a goal or change requires patience. It functions as a set phrase that carries a slightly formal or literary weight despite being common in daily speech. Native speakers often use it to temper expectations when discussing long term projects or personal growth.
Examples
Learning Cantonese well is not something that happens overnight.
Do you really think success can be achieved in just a short time?
Related words
Common phrases
not overnight
Common mistake
Avoid using this in affirmative sentences, as it is idiomatic to pair it with 唔係 or 冇辦法 to express that something cannot be rushed.
Grammar color guide
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Verb
Adjective
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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.
