jau5 jat1 jat6有一日
Jyutpingjau5 jat1 jat6
Yaleyáuh yāt yaht
Definition
One day; some day in the future, or a certain day in the past.
colloquialtime
How it's used
Functions as a narrative bridge to introduce a past event or a future possibility. It is almost exclusively used in storytelling or when reflecting on life experiences rather than for specific calendar dates. When referring to a specific date in the past, use 嗰日 instead.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
one day finally
Common mistake
Avoid using this to mean a specific day in the past like 'last Monday' or 'yesterday', as it implies an indefinite, non-specific point in time.
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.
