zeoi3 gan6最近
Jyutpingzeoi3 gan6
Yalejeui gahn
Definition
Recently; lately; in the near past or future.
colloquialtime
How it's used
Refers specifically to a period of time leading up to the present moment. Unlike the Mandarin usage which can sometimes imply a physical distance, the Cantonese usage is almost exclusively temporal. It often pairs with duration markers like 呢排 or 呢幾日 to specify the timeframe more clearly.
Examples
I have been feeling very sleepy lately.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it to describe physical proximity, as that would be expressed using 近 or 唔遠. Learners sometimes incorrectly use it to mean 'nearest' in a spatial sense, which is not how it functions in Cantonese.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
