zoi6 duk6 syu1在讀書在读书
Jyutpingzoi6 duk6 syu1
Yalejoih duhk syū
Definition
To be currently studying at school or university, or to be in the middle of reading a book.
- currently studying at school or university
- in the middle of reading a book or studying for an exam
colloquialschool
How it's used
Cantonese speakers use 讀緊書 to describe the act of studying or being a student, replacing the formal written 在讀書. The character 緊 acts as the continuous aspect marker, which is essential for indicating that the action is currently in progress. When referring to someone's status as a student, it implies they are currently enrolled in an educational institution.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use 在 to mean 'at' or 'in' as in Mandarin, but Cantonese uses 喺 for locations. Additionally, avoid using 在讀書 in spoken conversation as it sounds unnatural and overly formal.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- 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.
