kau4 sin1求先
Jyutpingkau4 sin1
Yalekàuh sīn
Definition
Just now; a moment ago.
colloquialtime
How it's used
This term is used exclusively to refer to the immediate past within the same day. It carries a sense of recency that makes it feel more immediate than the more formal 啱啱. It is strictly a spoken form and should be avoided in formal writing.
Examples
Who were you talking to on the phone just now?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 啱啱, which can also mean just now but is more versatile and can refer to events that happened slightly further back in time or even just a moment ago. Unlike 啱啱, 求先 is rarely used to describe something that happened exactly at the moment of speaking.
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.
