ji5 gu3已故
Jyutpingji5 gu3
Yaleyíh gu
Definition
Deceased; late; having passed away.
writtenpeople
How it's used
Used almost exclusively in formal writing, news reports, or respectful public announcements. It carries a solemn and detached tone that makes it sound unnatural in casual, face to face conversation. When speaking about someone who has passed away in daily life, Cantonese speakers prefer to use phrases like 過咗身 or 走咗.
Examples
The books by this deceased author are very popular.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this in casual conversation as it sounds overly clinical or like a newspaper obituary. It is a formal attribute and cannot be used as a verb, so you cannot say 佢已故咗.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
