zi2 zyu6指住
Jyutpingzi2 zyu6
Yalejí jyuh
Definition
To point at something or someone.
colloquialdaily actionsbody
How it's used
The suffix 住 indicates a continuous state or an ongoing action, making it essential for describing the physical act of pointing. It is rarely used in isolation as a verb without this aspect marker in casual speech. When someone is pointing at a person, it can be perceived as rude or aggressive, similar to many other cultures.
Examples
He is pointing at the map to ask for directions.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using just 指 to describe the action of pointing at something in a sentence, as it sounds incomplete or overly formal. Always include 住 to capture the continuous nature of the gesture.
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.
