m4 zing6 zi2唔淨只
Jyutpingm4 zing6 zi2
Yalem̀h jihng jí
Definition
Not only; not just.
colloquialcommunicationdescriptions
How it's used
Emphasizes that an action or state goes beyond a single point, often implying an unexpected or additional factor. It is frequently paired with 仲 or 仲有 to introduce the second part of the clause. While it functions similarly to 不僅 in written Chinese, it is firmly rooted in spoken Cantonese and carries a more casual, conversational tone.
Examples
He doesn't just speak Cantonese, he also speaks English.
This shop doesn't just sell clothes, it sells shoes too.
Related words
Common phrases
m4唔zing6淨zi2只...zung6仲...
not only... but also...
Common mistake
Learners often confuse it with 唔止, which is a more common and versatile way to express not only. While 唔淨只 is perfectly acceptable, 唔止 is more frequently heard in everyday speech and can be used in a wider variety of contexts.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
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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).
