ngaam1 sin1啱先
Jyutpingngaam1 sin1
Yalengāam sīn
Definition
Just now; a short time ago.
colloquialtime
How it's used
Refers to a point in time that is very close to the present moment. It functions as an adverbial phrase and is interchangeable with 正話 in most casual contexts. It is strictly used for events that have already occurred, rather than for actions happening right this second.
Examples
He was just here, why is he gone?
Related words
Common phrases
only just
Common mistake
Learners often confuse it with 啱啱. While both mean just, 啱啱 can describe an action that occurred at any point in the recent past, whereas 啱先 specifically emphasizes the immediate past relative to the current moment.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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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.
