kei4 taa1其它
Jyutpingkei4 taa1
Yalekèih tā
Definition
Other; else (usually not used to refer to people).
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Distinguishing between 其它 and 其他 is a common point of confusion for learners. While 其他 is the standard term used for both people and things, 其它 is specifically restricted to inanimate objects or abstract concepts. Using 其它 to refer to people is considered incorrect in formal writing and sounds unnatural in speech.
Examples
Besides this one, are there any other options?
Put these books aside, and put the others back into the cabinet.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using 其它 when referring to people, as it can sound dehumanizing. Stick to 其他 for any group that includes individuals.
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.
