ji6二
Jyutpingji6
Yaleyih
Definition
The pronunciation of the numeral 'two' when it appears as the final character in certain words.
Example
colloquialpeoplenumbers
How it's used
This specific pronunciation is almost exclusively reserved for the phrase 十八廿二, which refers to a woman in her prime. It functions as a set expression rather than a productive rule for reading the number two. Using this pronunciation outside of this specific idiom will sound incorrect to native speakers.
Examples
She is in the bloom of her youth, so youthful.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to apply this pronunciation to other numbers ending in two, such as 二十二, but that would be incorrect. This reading is strictly limited to the idiomatic expression describing a young woman's age.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
