zi1 maa3之嘛
Jyutpingzi1 maa3
Yalejī ma
Definition
Sentence-final particle used to downplay something, indicating it is nothing special or only to be expected.
colloquialparticle
How it's used
This particle serves to minimize the importance or scale of an event, often used to deflate someone else's excitement or to downplay one's own achievements. It frequently pairs with adverbs like 只係 or 得 to emphasize the limited nature of the situation. Using it can sound dismissive or blunt, so be mindful of the tone when speaking to others about their accomplishments.
Examples
He is just treating us to a meal, no need to be so happy.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse it with 啫, which also functions as a minimizer. While they are very similar, 之嘛 often carries a slightly stronger sense of contrasting with an expectation or a previous assumption.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
