zoi6 gaa1在家
Jyutpingzoi6 gaa1
Yalejoih gā
Definition
At home; also refers to a Buddhist practicing at home without becoming a monk or nun.
- at home
- technicalpracticing Buddhism at home without entering monastic life
colloquialhomeplaces
How it's used
Cantonese speakers almost exclusively use 喺屋企 to express being at home, whereas 在家 is considered a formal or written term. Using 在家 in casual conversation sounds stiff or like you are reading from a textbook. Always prefer 喺屋企 for daily speech.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to use 在家 because it matches the Mandarin structure, but it sounds unnatural in spoken Cantonese. Stick to 喺屋企 to sound like a local.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
