zeoi3 mei1最尾
Jyutpingzeoi3 mei1
Yalejeui mēi
Definition
Last; at the end; finally.
colloquialtime
How it's used
Functions as a versatile adverb to describe the final position in a sequence or the ultimate outcome of a process. It is preferred in casual speech over the more formal 最後, which is frequently used in written contexts. It often carries a sense of resolution after a period of waiting or deliberation.
Examples
He queued until the very end, but in the end, there was no stock left.
Have you thought it through? What is your final decision?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it to mean 'the last one' as a noun phrase in the same way as 最後一個, as it functions primarily as an adverbial modifier for position or time rather than a standalone pronoun.
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.
