zoeng6 si6像是象是
Jyutpingzoeng6 si6
Yalejeuhng sih
Definition
To look like, resemble, or seem to be.
writtendescriptions
How it's used
The term 像是 is essentially a written or Mandarin-influenced form that is rarely used in natural spoken Cantonese. Native speakers almost exclusively use 好似 to express the meaning of seeming or looking like something. Using 像是 in casual conversation will sound stiff, overly formal, or like a direct translation from Mandarin.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use 像是 because it appears in textbooks, but it sounds unnatural in daily speech. Always use 好似 instead to sound like a local.
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.
