zung2總总
Jyutpingzung2
Yalejúng
Definition
Total, overall, or combined.
neutralnumbersmoney
How it's used
Functions primarily as a modifier to indicate a sum or an overall state. Unlike Mandarin where it appears frequently in adverbial positions, Cantonese speakers often prefer using 加埋 or 合共 to express the concept of a total in casual speech.
Examples
The total amount added up is only a few hundred dollars.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin usage where it functions as an adverb meaning always or eventually. In Cantonese, using it to mean always sounds unnatural and is considered a direct translation error.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
