wai4惟
Jyutpingwai4
Yalewàih
Definition
But; only; however.
writtendescriptions
How it's used
Functions as a restrictive adverb meaning only or having no other choice. It frequently appears in the structure 惟有 to express that a specific action is the sole remaining option in a difficult situation. It carries a slightly formal or literary weight compared to the more common spoken 淨係 or 唯獨.
Examples
Only by doing it this way can the problem be solved.
Related words
Common phrases
have no choice but to
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin usage of 惟 as a formal conjunction for but, as Cantonese speakers almost exclusively use it within the 惟有 construction to mean only.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
