jau5 gam3 ngaam1 dak1 gam3 hiu1有咁啱得咁蹺有咁啱得咁跷
Jyutpingjau5 gam3 ngaam1 dak1 gam3 hiu1
Yaleyáuh gam ngāam dāk gam hīu
Definition
By sheer coincidence; as luck or chance would have it.
colloquialother
How it's used
This idiom is used to express surprise at a coincidental event, often when two people meet unexpectedly or share an identical experience. It carries a slightly playful or dramatic tone, emphasizing the sheer improbability of the situation. It is commonly used as a standalone comment to frame a story about a chance encounter.
Examples
I ran into him on the street, what a coincidence.
As luck would have it, we ended up buying the exact same shirt.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to translate the individual characters literally, but the phrase functions as a fixed idiomatic unit. Avoid using it for planned events, as it specifically highlights the lack of prior arrangement.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
