m4 hai6 zau6唔係就唔系就
Jyutpingm4 hai6 zau6
Yalem̀h haih jauh
Definition
Otherwise; or else.
colloquialdaily actionscommunication
How it's used
This phrase functions as a conditional connector that highlights a negative consequence if the preceding action is not taken. It is almost exclusively used in spoken contexts to provide a warning or a piece of advice. The structure often implies that the speaker is looking out for the listener's well-being or convenience.
Examples
Hurry up and leave, or else you won't make it in time.
Related words
Common phrases
Hurry up, or else you'll be late
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use the Mandarin-influenced otherwise or else directly, but 唔係就 is the natural way to express this consequence in Cantonese. Ensure the consequence follows immediately after the phrase to maintain the causal link.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
