jau4由
Jyutpingjau4
Yaleyàuh
Definition
Reason, cause, or factor.
neutralother
How it's used
Functions primarily as a bound morpheme in Cantonese rather than a standalone noun. It appears most naturally in compound words like 因由 or 理由 to express the source or justification for an event. Using it alone to mean reason in a sentence often sounds formal or incomplete compared to using 原因.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it as a preposition meaning from, as that is a Mandarin construction. In Cantonese, use 喺 or 由...開始 instead to indicate origin or starting points.
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.
