zi3誌志
Jyutpingzi3
Yaleji
Definition
To record or mark.
writtencommunication
How it's used
Functions primarily as a bound morpheme in compound words rather than as a standalone verb in modern spoken Cantonese. While it carries the meaning of recording or marking, it is almost exclusively found in formal or written contexts like 雜誌 or 誌慶. In everyday speech, speakers prefer using 記 or 寫 when expressing the action of recording something.
Examples
The content of this magazine is very rich.
They held a celebration event.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use it as a standalone verb to mean to write down, but it is not used this way in natural speech. Use 記低 instead for the action of recording information.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- 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.
