on3 si4按時按时
Jyutpingon3 si4
Yaleon sìh
Definition
On time; on schedule; punctually.
neutraltimedaily actions
How it's used
While this term is understood in spoken Cantonese, it carries a slightly formal or written tone. In casual daily conversation, native speakers often prefer using 準時 or 依時依候 to convey the same meaning. It is most frequently encountered in instructions, medical advice, or formal work settings.
Examples
Remember to hand in your homework on time.
Did he take his medicine on time?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this in very casual settings where it might sound like you are reading from a manual or a formal notice. Use 準時 instead for everyday situations like meeting a friend or arriving at work.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
