maa1麼么
Jyutpingmaa1
Yalemā
Definition
Sentence-final particle used to turn a statement into a question.
colloquialparticle
How it's used
While 麼 functions as a question particle, it is significantly less common in everyday spoken Cantonese than 咩 or 呀. It carries a slightly more formal or literary tone compared to the standard colloquial particles. You will often hear it used in older films or more deliberate speech rather than casual conversation between friends.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 麼 with 咩. 咩 is used when expressing surprise or questioning a premise, whereas 麼 is a neutral question marker for yes-no questions. Using 麼 in a very casual setting can sound slightly unnatural or stiff.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
