lik6力
Jyutpinglik6
Yalelihk
Definition
Powerfully, forcefully, or strongly.
colloquialdaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
While 力 is a fundamental character for strength, it rarely stands alone as a verb in spoken Cantonese. It is almost always combined with other characters to form compound verbs or adverbs, such as 用力 or 努力. When used as an adverbial modifier, it is typically followed by the particle 咁 or 噉 to describe the intensity of an action.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake 力 for a standalone verb meaning to push or pull. It is a noun or a bound morpheme, so you must use the verb 用 before it to express the act of exerting force.
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.
