zi2 hai6只係只系
Jyutpingzi2 hai6
Yalejí haih
Definition
Only; merely; just; describing a low degree, small quantity, or something insignificant.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Often paired with the sentence final particle 咋 to emphasize the sense of limitation or triviality. It functions as a softener when explaining oneself or downplaying a situation. Using it without a final particle can sometimes sound slightly more formal or blunt depending on the context.
Examples
I just want to go home and rest.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse it with 淨係, which specifically emphasizes that something is the sole option or the only thing remaining. While they overlap, 只係 focuses more on the degree or the insignificance of the action.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
