ng5 nin4五年
Jyutpingng5 nin4
Yaleńgh nìhn
Definition
Five years.
colloquialtime
How it's used
Time durations in Cantonese often follow the verb directly, especially when using the particle 咗 to indicate the duration has already elapsed. Unlike in English where you might say 'for five years' at the end of a sentence, placing the duration immediately after the verb is the most natural way to express how long an action has been ongoing.
Examples
Common phrases
five-year plan
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
