ngo5 hai6我係我系
Jyutpingngo5 hai6
Yalengóh haih
Definition
I am.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
Combining the first person pronoun with the copula creates the foundation for identifying yourself or describing your state. Unlike Mandarin, where you might drop the copula in certain adjectival constructions, Cantonese speakers frequently retain it to emphasize identity or clarify a situation. It is the most neutral way to express personal status or belief.
Examples
I am a Hong Konger, how about you?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it before adjectives if you are trying to sound more natural, as Cantonese often prefers using the particle 咁 or just the adjective directly after a subject when describing a state. For example, saying 我好開心 is much more common than saying 我係開心.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
