joek6 gwo2若果
Jyutpingjoek6 gwo2
Yaleyeuhk gwó
Definition
If; in the event that.
neutralcommunication
How it's used
While widely understood, this conjunction is slightly more formal or literary than the standard spoken Cantonese equivalent, 假如 or simply 嘅話. It is frequently used in written communication or when someone wants to sound a bit more deliberate or serious in their speech. You will often hear it paired with 嘅話 at the end of the conditional clause to add emphasis.
Examples
If it rains tomorrow, we won't go out to play.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often overuse this in casual, rapid-fire conversation where 嘅話 or even just starting the sentence with the condition is more natural. It can sound slightly stiff if used in every single 'if' sentence during a casual chat with friends.
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.
