so2 ji5所以
Jyutpingso2 ji5
Yalesó yíh
Definition
Therefore, so, or as a result.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
Connects two clauses where the first provides a reason and the second states the outcome. While it functions similarly to the Mandarin equivalent, it is frequently omitted in casual speech when the causal relationship is already clear from context. In very informal settings, speakers often prefer to use 咁 instead of this word to link sentences.
Examples
He is sick today, so he didn't go to work.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid placing this word at the very beginning of a sentence if you are trying to sound natural, as it often feels like a direct translation from written Chinese. It is much more common to place it after the subject of the second clause, such as 我所以 instead of 所以我.
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.
