zit6 ging3捷徑捷径
Jyutpingzit6 ging3
Yalejiht ging
Definition
Shortcut; a quicker route or method used to save time and effort.
neutraldaily actionswork
How it's used
Often carries a slightly negative connotation when used metaphorically, implying an attempt to bypass necessary effort or process. While it can refer to a physical path, it is frequently used to critique someone looking for an easy way out of a difficult task.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
This shortcut is very narrow, don't walk through it.
How can there be shortcuts in work? Just take it slow.
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin usage where it might be used more neutrally to describe efficiency. In Cantonese, suggesting someone is looking for a 捷徑 often implies they are being lazy or trying to cheat the system.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
