jyun4 jan1 si6原因是
Jyutpingjyun4 jan1 si6
Yaleyùhn yān sih
Definition
The reason is...
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
Spoken Cantonese almost exclusively uses 係 instead of 是 to link the subject to the predicate. While 原因是 is understandable, native speakers naturally say 原因係 to maintain the flow of colloquial speech. It functions as a connector to introduce an explanation or justification.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use the written form 原因是 in casual conversation, which sounds stiff and overly formal. Always swap the character 是 for 係 to sound natural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
