jau5 zi1有之

Jyutpingjau5 zi1

Yaleyáuh jī

語句

Definition

It is possible; likely to happen (placed after a verb phrase).

colloquialdescriptions

How it's used

This structure functions as a modal marker to express a non-zero probability of an event occurring. It often carries a slightly speculative or dismissive tone, suggesting that while something might seem unlikely, it remains within the realm of possibility. It is almost always placed at the end of a clause to qualify the preceding statement.

Examples

keoi5佢ting1聽jat6日ci4遲dou3到dou1都jau5有zi1之。

It is possible that he will be late tomorrow.

nei5你waa6話keoi5佢wui2會zau2走zo2咗heoi3去dou1都jau5有zi1之aa1呀。

It is possible that he has already left, as you said.

Common phrases

dou1都jau5有zi1之

it is also possible that

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with the literary Mandarin usage of 有之, which means 'to have it'. In Cantonese, this is strictly a modal particle construction and does not function as a verb phrase meaning 'to possess'.