mat1 zai6乜滯乜滞
Jyutpingmat1 zai6
Yalemāt jaih
Definition
Used after a negator to indicate a very small amount or low frequency; barely, hardly, or scarcely.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Functions as a softener to express that something is almost non-existent or happens very infrequently. It carries a casual, slightly dismissive tone that makes a negative statement sound less absolute or harsh. It is almost exclusively paired with 唔 or 冇 to create a litotes effect.
Examples
He has barely been to school lately.
We haven't seen each other for quite a long time.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 乜嘢, which means what. Learners often mistake it for a question word because of the character 乜, but it is strictly an adverbial modifier for negative constructions.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
