soeng1 gai3相繼相继
Jyutpingsoeng1 gai3
Yalesēung gai
Definition
In succession; one after another.
neutraldaily actionsother
How it's used
This word carries a formal tone that is more common in news reports or written accounts than in casual conversation. While it describes a sequence of events, it specifically implies that the events happen over a period of time rather than simultaneously. Using it in everyday speech can make a speaker sound slightly detached or like they are reading from a formal announcement.
Examples
They left the company one after another.
Have several shops closed down in succession recently?
Related words
Common phrases
appear one after another
happen in succession
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this for any sequence of events, but it specifically requires a sense of independent, repeated actions occurring one after another. It is not suitable for describing simple physical movements or things that happen at the exact same time.
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.
