sin1 zi3先至
Jyutpingsin1 zi3
Yalesīn ji
Definition
Only then; not until, used to show that a prior event must occur before a subsequent one.
colloquialtimedaily actions
How it's used
Emphasizes that a condition must be met before an action can occur, often carrying a sense of delay or expectation. It frequently appears in sentences involving time, such as waiting for a specific hour or event to pass. The placement is strictly after the subject of the second clause, distinguishing it from Mandarin structures that might place similar markers elsewhere.
Examples
You can only go play after you finish your homework.
He is not returning to Hong Kong until tomorrow.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly place it at the beginning of the second clause, but it must follow the subject. For example, say 佢先至走 instead of 先至佢走.
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.
