waak6 heoi2或許或许
Jyutpingwaak6 heoi2
Yalewaahk héui
Definition
Maybe; perhaps; possibly.
colloquialother
How it's used
Although 或許 is understood in Cantonese, it is significantly more formal than the everyday equivalent 或者. Using 或者 sounds natural in casual conversation, whereas 或許 carries a written or literary tone that can feel stiff or overly serious when spoken aloud. It is frequently used to soften a suggestion or to express uncertainty without being overly blunt.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mix up 或許 and 或者, using the former in casual settings where it sounds out of place. Remember that 或者 is the standard choice for daily speech, while 或許 is better reserved for formal writing or speeches.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
