zi2 ji5指爾指尔
Jyutpingzi2 ji5
Yalejí yíh
Definition
To expect or hope for.
writtenother
How it's used
指爾 is a specific, somewhat literary or formal way to express expectation or hope, often carrying a sense of relying on a particular outcome. It is less common in casual, everyday speech than synonyms like 期望 or 預計. You will frequently encounter it in written contexts or formal discussions where a speaker is outlining their anticipations.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 指望, which carries a stronger sense of relying on someone for help or pinning one's hopes on a specific person. Using 指爾 in a context where you mean to express total dependence on someone can sound slightly off.
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.
