lin4 lin4連連连连
Jyutpinglin4 lin4
Yalelìhn lìhn
Definition
Repeatedly and continuously, or slowly.
- repeatedly; again and again; continuously
- slowly
colloquialdaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on the repetitive nature of an action rather than the speed. While it can imply a slow or steady pace, it is most frequently used to describe a sequence of events happening one after another without a break. It often appears with verbs of physical expression like nodding, sighing, or apologizing.
Examples
He nodded repeatedly, as if he really agreed.
Why are you sighing again and again?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin usage where it might imply a sense of 'successive' or 'consecutive' in a more formal or written context. In Cantonese, it is almost exclusively used to describe visible, repetitive actions performed by a person.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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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).
