zing3 si6正是
Jyutpingzing3 si6
Yalejing sih
Definition
Exactly; precisely; to be precisely
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
Functions as an emphatic marker to confirm that something is precisely what is expected or required. It carries a slightly formal or literary weight compared to the more common colloquial expression 啱啱好. Use it when you want to emphasize that a situation or object perfectly aligns with a specific condition or timing.
Examples
You arrived at exactly the right time, just in time to help.
This answer is exactly what I wanted to say.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 啱啱, which primarily refers to timing or recent events. While 正是 can also refer to timing, it is much more versatile and is used to confirm identity or equivalence, whereas 啱啱 is strictly temporal.
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.
