seon3迅
Jyutpingseon3
Yaleseun
Definition
Fast, swift, or rapid.
writtendescriptions
How it's used
While 迅 is a common morpheme in formal compounds like 迅速, it is rarely used as a standalone adjective in spoken Cantonese. Native speakers almost always prefer 快 or 快捷 when describing speed in daily conversation. Using 迅 on its own can sound overly literary or like a deliberate attempt to sound archaic.
Examples
He ran so fast that he disappeared in an instant.
This happened so quickly that everyone was caught off guard.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to use 迅 as a direct replacement for 快 in casual speech, but this sounds unnatural and stiff. Stick to 快 for everyday speed and reserve 迅 for formal writing or specific compound words.
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.
