zung2 zi1總之总之
Jyutpingzung2 zi1
Yalejúng jī
Definition
In short; in a nutshell; anyway; regardless of the circumstances.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
Functions as a versatile discourse marker to summarize a point or to abruptly end a discussion when the speaker wants to assert their final stance. It often carries a tone of impatience or finality, signaling that further debate is unnecessary. While it can mean anyway, it is more authoritative than the casual anyway used in English.
Examples
Anyway, you must come tomorrow.
In short, since he said he won't go, there is nothing I can do.
Related words
Common phrases
That is just how it is.
Common mistake
Avoid using it as a direct translation for the English word anyway when it means by the way, as that would be a misuse of the term.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
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Classifier
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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).
