nei1 haa2呢吓
Jyutpingnei1 haa2
Yalenēi há
Definition
This time; this moment.
colloquialtime
How it's used
Focuses on a specific, singular moment or instance that just occurred or is currently unfolding. It often carries a sense of surprise, relief, or accusation depending on the speaker's tone. Unlike generic time markers, it highlights the immediacy of the situation.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 呢次, but 呢吓 is strictly for a fleeting moment or a sudden event, whereas 呢次 refers to a broader occasion or event.
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.
