zou6 mat1 je5做乜嘢
Jyutpingzou6 mat1 je5
Yalejouh māt yéh
Definition
Why; for what reason.
colloquialcommunicationdaily actions
How it's used
Functions as a versatile interrogative that can mean both why and what are you doing. It carries a slightly more direct or sometimes confrontational tone compared to the more neutral 點解. When used to ask about someone's actions, it often implies that the speaker is annoyed or confused by the behavior.
Examples
Why didn't you answer the phone?
She's crying for no reason, what's wrong?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this in formal settings or with people you do not know well, as it can sound aggressive or rude. It is strictly for casual interactions with friends or family.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
