zeoi6敘叙
Jyutpingzeoi6
Yalejeuih
Definition
To narrate, relate, or express; to chat or get together.
- to narrate; to relate; to express; to state
- to chat; to talk together; to meet up
writtencommunication
How it's used
This character is primarily used in formal or written contexts, often appearing in compound words like 敘述 or 敘舊. In everyday spoken Cantonese, people almost always prefer using 講 or 講返 to express the act of narrating or telling a story. Using 敘 in casual conversation can sound overly academic or stiff.
Examples
Can you narrate the process for a bit?
Related words
Common phrases
to narrate
to catch up on old times
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use 敘 as a direct substitute for 講 in casual speech, which creates an unnatural, literary tone. It is not a verb used for simple daily communication.
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.
