mau5 se1某些
Jyutpingmau5 se1
Yalemáuh sē
Definition
Some or certain; used to refer to something or someone without naming them directly.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
Certainty and specificity are implied when using this term, as it suggests the speaker has a particular group or item in mind without naming it explicitly. It often carries a slightly formal or detached tone compared to the more common 啲 or 一啲. In casual speech, it is frequently used to avoid naming someone directly to maintain a sense of mystery or to be tactful.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this in everyday casual conversation where 啲 or 一啲 would sound much more natural. Using 某些 in a very informal setting can make you sound like you are reading from a formal document or trying to sound overly intellectual.
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.
