si4 hak1時刻时刻
Jyutpingsi4 hak1
Yalesìh hāk
Definition
A moment; a specific point in time or a short period of time.
neutraltime
How it's used
Refers to a specific point in time or a brief duration, often carrying a slightly more formal or literary tone than common alternatives. It is frequently used in contexts involving emotional reflection or significant events rather than mundane daily scheduling. When describing simple time points, speakers usually prefer using 嗰陣時 or 嗰個時間.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
This moment is truly unforgettable.
Do you remember what happened at that moment?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use this word for general time-telling, but it is not interchangeable with 時間. Using it to ask 'What time is it?' will sound unnatural and overly dramatic.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
