sap6 geoi1 kei4 gau2十居其九
Jyutpingsap6 geoi1 kei4 gau2
Yalesahp gēui kèih gáu
Definition
In nine cases out of ten; in the vast majority of cases; mostly.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
This idiom functions as an adverbial phrase to describe a high probability or frequency of an event occurring. It carries a slightly formal or literary tone compared to everyday expressions like 大部分 or 好多時, yet it remains very common in spoken Cantonese when emphasizing a strong expectation based on past experience.
Examples
He is late nine times out of ten because of traffic jams.
This shop is closed most of the time.
Related words
Common phrases
it is almost certainly
in most cases
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use it as a direct adjective or noun, but it acts as an adverbial phrase that usually precedes the verb or the main clause to indicate the likelihood of the situation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
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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.
