kei4 jat1其一
Jyutpingkei4 jat1
Yalekèih yāt
Definition
One of them; one of the matters concerned.
writtenother
How it's used
Used primarily in formal or written contexts to introduce a single item from a larger set. It functions as a formal alternative to saying 係其中一個. You will rarely hear it in casual spoken Cantonese, as it sounds quite literary or academic.
Examples
This is one of my reasons.
He has many flaws, one of which is being lazy.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to use it as a direct substitute for one in any context, but it cannot be used as a simple number or a standalone pronoun. It specifically requires a preceding context of a group or list to make sense.
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.
