zi1恣
Jyutpingzi1
Yalejī
Definition
Unrestrained, carefree, or indulging oneself without restriction.
writtendescriptions
How it's used
This character is rarely used in spoken Cantonese and is almost exclusively found in formal or literary contexts. When used to describe behavior, it carries a negative connotation of being reckless or lacking self-control. Most native speakers would prefer using colloquial expressions like 亂嚟 or 隨便 to convey the same meaning in daily conversation.
Examples
He acts very unrestrainedly and doesn't care about others' feelings at all.
Related words
Common phrases
wantonly
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 姿, which appears in 姿態 or 姿色, but 恣 specifically relates to behavior or attitude rather than physical appearance or posture.
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.
