ji1 geoi3依據依据
Jyutpingji1 geoi3
Yaleyī geui
Definition
Basis, foundation, or grounds for an argument or decision.
neutralcommunication
How it's used
Functions primarily as a formal noun in Cantonese, often appearing in professional or academic contexts rather than casual chat. While it can be used as a verb in Mandarin, Cantonese speakers almost exclusively treat it as a noun referring to the evidence or grounds supporting a claim. It carries a sense of intellectual weight, implying that the speaker expects a logical or documented foundation for an argument.
Examples
On what basis did you make this decision?
What he says has no basis at all, it's untrustworthy.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to use it as a verb meaning to base something on, but in Cantonese, it is strictly a noun. If you want to say something is based on facts, use 根據 instead, which functions more flexibly as both a noun and a preposition.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
