kei2企
Jyutpingkei2
Yalekéi
Definition
To stand or stay upright.
Example
Stand here.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of standing on one's feet, this verb is frequently used to describe waiting or remaining in a specific location. It often carries a sense of being stationary or idle, contrasting with moving or sitting. In casual speech, it can also imply being left waiting for someone or something for an extended period.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin verb 站. While they share the same meaning, 企 is the standard, everyday word in Cantonese for all contexts, whereas 站 is rarely used in spoken Cantonese.
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.
