zik1即
Jyutpingzik1
Yalejīk
Definition
To be; to mean; to be equal to.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
Used primarily to equate two concepts or clarify a definition, often appearing as 即係 to soften the tone. While it functions like an equals sign in formal writing, it is almost always expanded to 即係 in spoken Cantonese to sound natural. It carries a sense of summarizing or simplifying a previous statement.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
which means / in other words
it's like this / the thing is
Common mistake
Avoid using 即 alone in spoken sentences as it sounds overly formal or abrupt. Always pair it with 係 to maintain the natural rhythm of colloquial speech.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
