ji5儗
Jyutpingji5
Yaleyíh
Definition
To imitate, compare, or doubt; also used in classical contexts to mean arrogation or to plan.
colloquialemotiondescriptions
How it's used
Used primarily in spoken Cantonese to describe a state of hesitation, suspicion, or being unsure about a decision. It carries a nuance of being stuck in a mental loop or unable to commit to an action. While it shares roots with the formal concept of comparison, in daily life, it focuses almost exclusively on the feeling of doubt or indecision.
Examples
Why do you have to be so hesitant?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 擬, which is used in formal writing for planning or imitating. In spoken Cantonese, 儗 is strictly for expressing uncertainty or hesitation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- 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.
