me1 je5乜野
Jyutpingme1 je5
Yalemē yéh
Definition
What; also used to mean anything, everything, or whatever.
- what
- anything; everything; whatever
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
Pronounced as one unit, this is the standard way to ask what something is in daily life. It is often shortened to 乜 in very fast or casual speech. When used to mean everything or anything, it often appears in negative constructions to emphasize a lack of knowledge or interest.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this in formal writing or professional settings, as it is strictly colloquial. Beginners often confuse it with 咩, which is used for yes or no questions or to express surprise, whereas 乜野 is for open ended questions.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
