jing6 zan1認真认真
Jyutpingjing6 zan1
Yaleyihng jān
Definition
Really, truly, or absolutely.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Using 認真 as an intensifier is a hallmark of authentic Cantonese, functioning similarly to "really" or "truly" to emphasize a following adjective. It carries a slightly more emphatic or dramatic tone than 真係, often used when the speaker wants to express genuine surprise or strong conviction. While it can also mean "serious" in a work context, its role as an adverbial intensifier is extremely common in casual speech.
Examples
The food at this shop is really delicious.
Are you absolutely sure you don't remember his name?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this adverbial use with the adjective meaning "serious" or "diligent." If you say 佢好認真, it means "he is very serious," but if you say 佢認真好人, it means "he is truly a good person."
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.
