zik6 zi3直至
Jyutpingzik6 zi3
Yalejihk ji
Definition
Until; up to a certain point in time.
neutraltime
How it's used
Emphasizes the continuous duration or the specific point of termination in a timeline. It is more formal than the common spoken construction using 到 or 先至. When used in casual speech, it often suggests a sense of persistence or a long wait.
Examples
He has been working from morning until night.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 到, which is more versatile and common in daily speech. Using 直至 in very casual conversation can sound slightly stiff or like a written announcement.
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).
