si6 sin1事先
Jyutpingsi6 sin1
Yalesih sīn
Definition
In advance; beforehand; prior to an event or action.
neutraltimedaily actions
How it's used
This word functions as an adverb to describe actions taken before an event occurs. It is frequently paired with verbs indicating planning, notification, or preparation, such as 約好, 講, or 準備. Unlike some other adverbs, it carries a slightly formal tone, making it common in professional or serious discussions about arrangements.
Examples
Before you made the decision, did you talk to him in advance?
We agreed in advance to go for dim sum tomorrow.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use it as a noun or verb, but it strictly functions as an adverb. Avoid saying 佢有事先, as it is not a noun meaning a prior matter; use 佢有事要處理 instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
