ngo5 m4 zi1我唔知
Jyutpingngo5 m4 zi1
Yalengóh m̀h jī
Definition
I don't know.
colloquialcommunicationdaily actions
How it's used
Native speakers often shorten this to just 唔知 in casual conversation when the subject is clear from context. It functions as a versatile way to express ignorance or uncertainty about facts, locations, or reasons. Adding a particle like 呀 or 㗎 at the end softens the tone, making it sound less blunt or dismissive.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use 我唔識 to mean I don't know, but 識 specifically refers to knowing how to do a skill or being acquainted with a person. Use 我唔知 for facts or information, and 我唔識 for skills or people.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
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.
