ji1 jin4依然
Jyutpingji1 jin4
Yaleyī yìhn
Definition
Still; as before, in the same manner as in the past.
neutraldescriptionstime
How it's used
Although 依然 is widely understood in Cantonese, it carries a slightly formal or literary tone compared to the more common spoken alternatives. In everyday conversation, native speakers frequently prefer using 仲係 or 依然係 to emphasize that a state has not changed. It is often paired with 依然都係 to add emphasis to the continuity of a situation.
Examples
After so many years, he still lives here.
The weather is still very hot, remember to bring an umbrella when you go out.
Related words
Common phrases
to remain unchanged in one's ways
Common mistake
Learners often overuse 依然 in casual speech where 仲係 would sound more natural. While grammatically correct, using 依然 too frequently can make your Cantonese sound like a written essay or a formal news report.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
