mou6務务
Jyutpingmou6
Yalemouh
Definition
An affair, matter, task, or business to be done.
neutralwork
How it's used
Functions primarily as a bound morpheme in formal or compound words rather than as a standalone verb in daily speech. It carries a sense of duty or professional responsibility, distinguishing it from general tasks or chores. You will frequently encounter it in professional settings or administrative contexts.
Examples
He has a lot of official business to handle today.
What other matters do you still have left to finish?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it as a standalone verb to mean to do, as it is not a verb in Cantonese. Learners often mistake it for a general action word, but it is strictly reserved for formal or compound nouns.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
