ji4 ci5疑似
Jyutpingji4 ci5
Yaleyìh chíh
Definition
To suspect to be; seemingly or apparently being someone or something due to close resemblance.
colloquialdescriptionscommunication
How it's used
Commonly used in news reports and formal announcements to indicate that something is likely true but not yet confirmed. In casual speech, it adds a layer of dry humor or sarcasm when describing someone's questionable behavior or appearance. It functions as a verb or a modifier, often placed before the suspected state or action.
Examples
It is suspected that there is a cat hiding over there.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a direct synonym of 似, but 疑似 carries a specific nuance of suspicion or unconfirmed status. Do not use it for simple physical resemblance, where 似 or 好似 is more appropriate.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
