sam6什
Jyutpingsam6
Yalesahm
Definition
What; used to ask about the identity of something.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
While 什 is the character used in the written form of what, it is almost exclusively pronounced and written as 乜 in daily spoken Cantonese. You will rarely see 什 used in casual text messages or hear it spoken aloud, as it is considered a formal or literary representation of the colloquial 乜. Using 什 in conversation can sound overly formal or even slightly unnatural to native speakers.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 什 with 乜, but 乜 is the standard character for the spoken word. Using 什 in a casual chat might make you sound like you are reading from a textbook rather than speaking naturally.
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.
