ngo5 mun4 zi6 gei2我們自己我们自己
Jyutpingngo5 mun4 zi6 gei2
Yalengóh mùhn jih géi
Definition
Ourselves
colloquialpeople
How it's used
Cantonese speakers use 我哋自己 to express the concept of ourselves, as the written form 我們自己 is rarely spoken aloud. The particle 哋 is essential for pluralizing the pronoun, and omitting it would change the meaning to myself. It is common to pair this with verbs like 搞掂 to emphasize self-reliance.
Related words
Common phrases
we do it ourselves
we go by ourselves
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use the written Mandarin form 我們自己 in speech, which sounds stiff or unnatural to native ears. Always use 我哋 for we or us in conversational settings.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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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.
