tong2 joek6倘若
Jyutpingtong2 joek6
Yaletóng yeuhk
Definition
If; in the event that; in case.
writtencommunication
How it's used
Carries a slightly more formal or literary tone compared to the ubiquitous 如果. It is frequently used in written Cantonese or when someone wants to sound more serious and deliberate during a conversation. Using it in casual, everyday speech can make the speaker sound like they are giving a formal proposal or a hypothetical warning.
Examples
If you are free tomorrow, why not come out for tea?
If he refuses to help, we will have to think of another way.
Related words
Common phrases
if that is the case
in case something happens
Common mistake
Learners often overuse this in casual settings where 如果 or 假如 would be much more natural. It is not a word you would typically use when chatting with friends about trivial daily plans.
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.
