jin4延

Jyutpingjin4

Yaleyìhn

語素Rare

Definition

To extend, prolong, or increase the length or duration of something.

neutraltimework

How it's used

Functions primarily as a bound morpheme in formal or compound words rather than as a standalone verb in daily speech. It carries a sense of stretching or pushing something further into the future. When referring to time, it is almost always paired with other characters to form specific verbs like 延長 or 延期.

Examples

ni1呢go3個gai3計waak6劃jiu3要jin4延kei4期geoi2舉hang4行aa4呀。

This project needs to be postponed.

nei5你ho2可m4唔ho2可ji5以bong1幫ngo5我jin4延ci4遲gaau1交fan2份bou3報gou3告？

Can you help me delay the submission of the report?

Common phrases

jin4延coeng4長si4時gaan3間

extend the time

jin4延kei4期geoi2舉hang4行

postpone an event

Common mistake

Learners often try to use it as a standalone verb to mean 'to delay', but it requires a second character to be grammatically complete in Cantonese. Use 遲啲 or 拖延 instead if you want to express the concept of being late or dragging something out in a more natural, conversational way.