joek6 gon1若干
Jyutpingjoek6 gon1
Yaleyeuhk gōn
Definition
A certain number, amount, or portion.
writtennumbers
How it's used
Formal in nature, this term is primarily used in written reports, official documents, or professional settings rather than casual conversation. It functions as a quantifier that implies an indefinite but specific quantity, often used when the exact number is either unknown or intentionally left vague. Unlike common spoken quantifiers, it maintains a detached and precise tone suitable for business or academic contexts.
Examples
He has worked here for a certain number of years.
The company needs a certain amount of manpower to help.
Related words
Common phrases
a certain number of years
a certain amount of manpower
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly add 啲 after 若干, such as 若干啲人, which is grammatically incorrect. Because 若干 already carries the sense of a plural quantity, it must be followed directly by a noun or a measure word phrase without any intervening particles.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
