ngaam1 ngaam1啱啱
Jyutpingngaam1 ngaam1
Yalengāam ngāam
Definition
Just; exactly; barely; just now.
- just; barely
- exactly; precisely
- just now; a moment ago
colloquialtimedescriptions
How it's used
Functions as both a temporal marker for recent events and a descriptor for precision. When used for time, it emphasizes the immediacy of an action, often paired with 咋 or 啫 to downplay the duration. It is the go-to term for describing something that fits perfectly, such as a size or a timing, replacing the need for more formal expressions.
Examples
I just finished eating.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 啱, which means correct or suitable. While 啱啱 can imply something is exactly right, it is primarily used for time or measurement, whereas 啱 is used for correctness or agreement.
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.
