ze2這这
Jyutpingze2
Yalejé
Definition
This; indicating a person or thing physically or psychologically close.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Cantonese speakers almost exclusively use 呢 for the concept of this. The character 這 is reserved for formal writing and is rarely heard in spoken conversation. Using 這 in speech will make you sound like you are reading from a textbook or mimicking Mandarin.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use 這 because it is the standard written form, but it sounds unnatural and overly formal in daily speech. Always default to 呢 when speaking.
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.
