jyu4餘余
Jyutpingjyu4
Yaleyùh
Definition
Remaining, extra, or surplus.
writtenother
How it's used
Functions primarily as a formal or literary morpheme in Cantonese, often appearing in compound words like 餘額 or 餘生. In everyday spoken Cantonese, native speakers almost exclusively prefer the phrasal verb 剩低 to express the concept of something being left over. Using 餘 as a standalone adjective in casual conversation can sound overly formal or even slightly poetic.
Examples
I couldn't finish the rice, there is still a lot left over.
Do you still have any extra money to buy things?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using 餘 as a standalone verb in daily speech, as it will sound unnatural or archaic. Always use 剩低 or 淨低 when you want to describe something remaining after use.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
