syun3 hou2算好
Jyutpingsyun3 hou2
Yalesyun hóu
Definition
Good enough already, considering the circumstances, or calculating.
- good enough already; could be worse; considered fortunate
- calculating; shrewd
- to calculate
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Use this phrase to express that something meets a standard of acceptability or is better than expected, often implying a sense of resignation or contentment. It frequently appears in situations where one is defending a choice or situation against criticism. The tone is pragmatic and suggests that while perfection is not reached, the current state is perfectly functional.
Examples
His salary is already quite good, don't ask for too much.
The food at this restaurant is decent, it's worth a try.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the verb 打算, which means to plan or intend. When used as a verb meaning to calculate, it is usually followed by a specific object, whereas the adjectival usage meaning decent or good enough is typically followed by a particle like 㗎 or 喇.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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Classifier
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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.
