zong1樁桩
Jyutpingzong1
Yalejōng
Definition
Classifier for matters, affairs, incidents, or stories.
colloquialother
How it's used
Primarily used for formal or serious incidents, business transactions, or legal cases. It carries a slightly more mature or literary weight compared to the generic classifier 個, often appearing in news reports or when recounting specific events.
Examples
This matter is really troublesome.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this for everyday objects or people, as it is strictly reserved for abstract events or occurrences. It is not interchangeable with 個 in casual contexts where the latter would be the default choice.
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.
- How oftenUsually, sometimes, all the time, rarely, never. All five sit in one slot, between the subject and the verb.
- 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.
