zau6 waa6就話就话
Jyutpingzau6 waa6
Yalejauh wah
Definition
To use as a reason, pretext, or explanation; to say that.
colloquialcommunicationdaily actions
How it's used
Functions as a discourse marker to introduce a hypothetical or claimed situation that the speaker is about to contrast or dismiss. It often implies that while the stated condition might be acceptable or understandable, the subsequent reality or follow-up action is not. Frequently used in the pattern 就話...啫, which emphasizes that the speaker is only conceding the first part of the argument for the sake of discussion.
Examples
He says he wants to travel, but he refuses to save money.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the simple verb 話, but 就話 specifically introduces a premise that the speaker is about to challenge or qualify. It is not used for reporting speech in the way that 話 is.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
