jyun4 loi4原來原来
Jyutpingjyun4 loi4
Yaleyùhn lòih
Definition
As it turns out; indicating a realization of the actual situation, which is contrary to one's previous belief.
colloquialdaily actionscommunication
How it's used
Use this to express a sudden realization or a correction of a previous assumption. It often carries a sense of surprise or discovery, functioning as a bridge between what you thought was true and the reality you just encountered. It is frequently paired with 點知 or 原來係咁 to emphasize the shift in understanding.
Examples
So you were here all along, I have been looking for you for a long time.
I thought he was a foreigner, but it turns out he can speak Cantonese.
Related words
Common phrases
I see; so that is how it is.
So that is the case.
Common mistake
Learners often use this to mean 'originally' as in 'I originally planned to go', but that is incorrect. For 'originally', use 初頭 or 本來 instead.
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.
