zing3 zoi6正在
Jyutpingzing3 zoi6
Yalejing joih
Definition
In the process of; currently doing or undergoing an action.
colloquialdaily actionstime
How it's used
Cantonese speakers almost never use 正在 in speech, as it sounds like written Mandarin. Instead, the structure 正喺度 plus a verb with 緊 is the standard way to express an ongoing action. You can also drop the 正 and just use 喺度 plus a verb with 緊 for the same meaning.
Related words
Common phrases
currently doing
Common mistake
Avoid using 正在 in spoken Cantonese because it sounds unnatural and overly formal. Stick to using 緊 or 喺度...緊 to convey continuous aspect.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
