zoi6 jyu1在於在于
Jyutpingzoi6 jyu1
Yalejoih yū
Definition
To lie in, consist in, or depend on; indicating the key point or determining factor of something.
neutralother
How it's used
Focuses on the core factor or essence of a situation, functioning similarly to a formal connector in written Cantonese. While it appears in speech, it carries a slightly analytical or philosophical tone, often used when explaining the underlying reason for an outcome.
Examples
Success or failure depends on how you decide.
His charm lies in that sense of confidence.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to mean physical location, as that is expressed with 喺. Learners sometimes confuse the abstract dependency meaning of 在於 with the locative meaning of 喺.
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.
