ji5 min5以免

Jyutpingji5 min5

Yaleyíh míhn

連詞Common

Definition

In order to avoid; so as not to.

writtencommunicationdaily actions

How it's used

Functions as a formal conjunction that introduces a negative consequence to be avoided. While common in writing, it can sound slightly stiff or bookish in casual spoken Cantonese, where people often prefer using 費事 or 驚 instead. It is most effective when giving advice or setting rules where a clear negative outcome is implied.

Examples

nei5你daai3帶do1多gin2件saam1衫laa1啦，ji5以min5免je6夜maan5晚dung3凍can1親。

Bring an extra jacket, so you don't catch a cold at night.

ngo5我dei6哋zou2早di1啲ceot1出faat3發，ji5以min5免sak1塞ce1車ci4遲dou3到。

Let's leave earlier so we can avoid traffic and not be late.

Related words

synonymfai3 si6費事fai sihsee alsogeng1驚gēng

Common phrases

ji5以min5免maa4麻faan4煩

to avoid trouble

ji5以min5免ng6誤wui6會

to avoid misunderstanding

Common mistake

Learners often mistakenly use it to mean 'because' or 'if not', but it specifically requires a negative outcome following it. Avoid using it in casual conversation if you want to sound natural, as 費事 is the standard choice for everyday speech.