zeoi3 zyu2 jiu3最主要
Jyutpingzeoi3 zyu2 jiu3
Yalejeui jyú yiu
Definition
Most important; main; principal; primary.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Functions as an adverbial or adjectival modifier to highlight the most significant factor among several options. It often precedes a verb phrase or a noun phrase modified by 嘅 to emphasize priority. Unlike formal written Chinese, it is frequently used in spoken Cantonese to pivot a conversation toward the core issue.
Examples
Our main goal is to go traveling.
What do you think is the main problem with this matter?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it as a direct translation for the English adjective main when it precedes a noun without adding 嘅, as this can sound like a literal translation from English grammar rather than natural Cantonese.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- 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.
