m4 zi1唔知
Jyutpingm4 zi1
Yalem̀h jī
Definition
Really; extremely (used in ironical statements to express a strong feeling).
colloquialdescriptionsemotion
How it's used
This expression functions as an intensifier that ironically suggests the degree of something is beyond calculation. It is frequently paired with adjectives describing feelings or states, such as 開心 or 麻煩, to emphasize the intensity of the speaker's sentiment. While it literally translates to 'don't know', in this context it acts as a rhetorical device to express strong emphasis.
Examples
The food at this restaurant is really delicious.
Doing that really makes him so sad.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the literal meaning of 'do not know'. Always check if the sentence structure implies an intensifier before an adjective, as the literal usage requires a verb or clause to follow.
Grammar color guide
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Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
