joek6 fei1若非
Jyutpingjoek6 fei1
Yaleyeuhk fēi
Definition
If not; if it were not for; otherwise.
writtenother
How it's used
Carries a slightly formal or literary tone compared to the much more common spoken phrase 如果唔係. It is frequently used in written contexts or when someone wants to emphasize a hypothetical situation with a touch of gravity. It functions as a conditional marker that sets up a counterfactual scenario.
Examples
If not for your help, I really couldn't have handled it.
If it weren't raining today, we would have gone hiking.
Common phrases
if it were not so
Common mistake
Avoid using this in casual, everyday speech with friends, as it can sound overly dramatic or like you are reading from a book. Stick to 如果唔係 for normal conversation.
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.
