koek3卻却
Jyutpingkoek3
Yalekeuk
Definition
However, yet, or but; used to indicate a contrast or turn of events.
writtenother
How it's used
This word is primarily a formal written conjunction that feels out of place in casual spoken Cantonese. In everyday speech, native speakers almost always prefer using 係就係或者但係 to express contrast or contradiction. Using it in conversation can make you sound like you are reading from a textbook or a formal news report.
Examples
He is usually very hardworking, yet today he is being lazy.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often overuse it because it is a direct translation of 'however' or 'yet' in written English. In natural spoken Cantonese, it is much more common to use 但係 or 點知 to signal a shift in expectations.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
