zoi6在
Jyutpingzoi6
Yalejoih
Definition
To exist, be present, or be located at a place.
colloquialdaily actionsplaces
How it's used
Cantonese speakers almost exclusively use 喺 for location and presence, while 在 is reserved for formal writing or specific compound words. Using 在 in daily speech sounds like a direct translation from Mandarin and will mark you as a non-native speaker. The character 喺 is a contraction of 在 and 係, reflecting its dual function as a preposition and a verb of existence.
Related words
Common phrases
to care about
to be present on the scene
to lie in; to consist in
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use 在 in spoken sentences where 喺 is required. Remember that 在 is strictly for written Chinese or set phrases like 在乎, never for describing where someone is physically located.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
