zou2 zou2早早
Jyutpingzou2 zou2
Yalejóu jóu
Definition
Very early; as early as possible.
colloquialtimedaily actions
How it's used
Doubling a character is a common way to emphasize the intensity or duration of an action in Cantonese. Using early in this reduplicated form adds a sense of urgency or deliberate planning, suggesting that the action is done well ahead of schedule to avoid trouble or ensure success.
Examples
You should get up very early tomorrow to queue up.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the simple adverb 早, but the reduplicated form implies a more proactive or emphatic sense of timing. It is not used for simply stating that something happened in the morning, but rather to highlight the earliness relative to a deadline or expectation.
Grammar color guide
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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.
