siu6肇
Jyutpingsiu6
Yalesiuh
Definition
To begin, start, or cause.
writtenother
How it's used
This character is primarily a formal morpheme used in compound words rather than a standalone verb in daily speech. It carries a negative connotation, almost exclusively appearing in contexts involving accidents, crimes, or disputes. You will frequently encounter it in news reports or official notices regarding incidents.
Examples
He caused a lot of trouble this time.
Why did the accident happen?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general word for start or begin, but it is restricted to the onset of negative events. Do not use it to describe starting a hobby or a project.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
