zoi6 zik1在即
Jyutpingzoi6 zik1
Yalejoih jīk
Definition
To happen shortly; to be near or just around the corner.
writtentime
How it's used
Expresses a sense of urgency or impending arrival of a significant event. It is primarily used in formal or semi-formal contexts, such as news reports, announcements, or serious discussions, rather than casual daily chatter. Using it in a very informal setting can sound slightly dramatic or overly literary.
Examples
The exam is just around the corner, yet he is still busy playing.
The big competition is coming soon, have you prepared yet?
Related words
Common phrases
the general election is imminent
the wedding date is approaching
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the common spoken phrase 快到, which is much more versatile for everyday situations. Using 在即 to describe something trivial, like a bus arriving in two minutes, sounds unnatural and pretentious.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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Grammar guides
- 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.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
