zi6 faat3自發自发
Jyutpingzi6 faat3
Yalejih faat
Definition
To act spontaneously or voluntarily without being prompted by others.
neutralpeopledaily actions
How it's used
Focuses on internal motivation rather than external pressure or instruction. It often appears in contexts involving volunteer work or community efforts where individuals organize themselves without being told to do so. Unlike formal Mandarin usage which can lean towards scientific or technical contexts, Cantonese speakers use this to describe personal initiative in daily life.
Examples
They spontaneously went to help clean the house.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 自動, which implies something happens automatically or mechanically. Use 自發 when referring to human agency and the choice to initiate an action.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
