zi1之
Jyutpingzi1
Yalejī
Definition
A pronoun used in certain set phrases to refer to a specific object; 'it'.
writtenother
How it's used
Functioning as a formal, literary object pronoun, this character is almost exclusively restricted to set idioms or archaic literary structures. It does not function as a standard pronoun in spoken Cantonese, where 佢 is used instead. When encountered, it typically appears in four character structures where it acts as a bridge between a verb and its object.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use it as a general pronoun for it or him, which sounds unnatural and highly pretentious in daily speech. Always use 佢 for standard object reference.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
