zi1咨

Jyutpingzi1

Yalejī

Definition

To consult, plan, or discuss with others.

writtenworkcommunication

How it's used

This term is primarily used in formal or professional contexts, often appearing in compound words like 咨詢. It carries a sense of seeking expert advice or official guidance rather than casual discussion. In everyday spoken Cantonese, people almost always prefer using 商量 or 問 instead of 咨.

Examples

le1 gin2 si6 ngo5 soeng2 tung4 nei5 zi1 seon1 haa5 ji3 gin3

呢件事我想同你咨詢下意見。

I want to consult you for your opinion on this matter.

nei5 zi1 seon1 zo2 ging1 lei5 mei6 aa4

你咨詢咗經理未呀？

Have you consulted the manager yet?

Common phrases

zi1 seon1 fuk6 mou6

咨詢服務

consultation service

zi1 seon1 wai2 jyun4 wui2

咨詢委員會

advisory committee

Common mistake

Learners often mistakenly use this in casual settings where it sounds overly stiff or bureaucratic. Stick to everyday verbs like 問 for simple inquiries to avoid sounding like a government document.