zing3 hou2正好
Jyutpingzing3 hou2
Yalejing hóu
Definition
Just right; just in time or in a perfectly suitable manner.
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How it's used
While 正好 is understood in Hong Kong, locals overwhelmingly prefer 啱啱好 for the sense of being just right or exactly enough. Use 正好 when you want to sound slightly more formal or when emphasizing the perfect timing of an event. It carries a sense of serendipity or a fortunate coincidence that 啱啱好 lacks.
Examples
You arrived just in time, let's eat together.
The size of this shirt is just right, it fits me well.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using 正好 to mean exactly as in a measurement, such as saying it is exactly five o'clock. In those cases, stick to 啱啱 or 正係.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
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Classifier
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Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- 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.
