zik1 si6即是
Jyutpingzik1 si6
Yalejīk sih
Definition
That is; that means; in other words.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
Pronounced as 即係 in spoken Cantonese, this is the standard way to clarify or paraphrase a previous statement. It functions like a bridge between a confusing situation and its logical conclusion. You will often hear it paired with 囉 or 㗎 at the end of the sentence to emphasize the speaker's deduction.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use the formal written form 即是 in speech, but native speakers almost exclusively use the colloquial pronunciation 即係. Using the formal version can make you sound like you are reading from a textbook or a news report.
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.
