ji6義义
Jyutpingji6
Yaleyih
Definition
Righteousness; just and correct actions that ought to be done.
neutralpeopleother
How it's used
This character functions primarily as a root for compound words rather than a standalone adjective in modern speech. It carries a strong sense of moral obligation and social responsibility that goes beyond mere personal preference. When used in social contexts, it often implies a selfless commitment to the community or to friends.
Examples
He does volunteer work to help others, he is really righteous.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the Mandarin usage where it can stand alone more freely. In Cantonese, avoid using it as a simple adjective to describe a person or action; instead, use it within established compounds like 義工 or 義氣.
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.
