pung3 haau2碰巧
Jyutpingpung3 haau2
Yalepung háau
Definition
By coincidence; to happen to.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
While 碰巧 is standard written Chinese, it is rarely used in spoken Cantonese. Native speakers almost exclusively use 咁啱 to express the same meaning in daily conversation. Using 碰巧 in casual speech can sound overly formal or like someone reading from a textbook.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to use 碰巧 in a way that sounds like a direct translation from English, but it lacks the natural flow of 咁啱. Remember that 咁啱 is extremely versatile and can function as an adverb or even an interjection to express surprise at a coincidence.
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.
