m4 zing6 zi2唔淨止
Jyutpingm4 zing6 zi2
Yalem̀h jihng jí
Definition
Not only; more than just.
colloquialcommunicationdescriptions
How it's used
Often paired with 仲 or 仲有 to introduce the additional item or action. It functions as a conjunction to emphasize that the scope of a situation extends beyond what has just been mentioned. While it can be used in formal writing, it is extremely common in everyday speech to highlight an unexpected or impressive range of attributes.
Examples
He not only knows how to speak Cantonese, but also Japanese.
This shop doesn't just sell clothes, it sells accessories too.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use it as a direct translation for the English word only, but it specifically requires a follow-up clause starting with 仲 or 仲有 to complete the not only but also structure.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- 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.
