zou2 zi1早知
Jyutpingzou2 zi1
Yalejóu jī
Definition
Expressing regret after learning the outcome of an action; if only one had known earlier.
colloquialemotiondaily actions
How it's used
This word functions as an adverbial expression of regret, typically placed at the very beginning of a sentence. It focuses on the realization that a past decision was suboptimal based on current knowledge. It is almost always followed by a clause describing the action that should have been avoided or done differently.
Examples
If I had known it would be like this, I wouldn't have bought this phone.
If I had known to take a taxi earlier, I wouldn't have been late.
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often try to translate the English structure "I wish I knew" directly, but 早知 is specifically for reflecting on past actions rather than expressing a desire for knowledge. It is not used to express current ignorance.
Grammar color guide
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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).
