zik1 hai6即系
Jyutpingzik1 hai6
Yalejīk haih
Definition
That is; that means; in other words.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
Functions as a filler or a connector to clarify, rephrase, or summarize a previous point. It is frequently used as a stalling tactic while the speaker gathers their thoughts, similar to "like" or "I mean" in English. It often appears at the start of a sentence to signal that a simplification or explanation is about to follow.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid overusing it as a crutch word in every sentence, as it can make speech sound repetitive or hesitant. It is strictly for spoken contexts and should not appear in formal writing.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
