zung2 dak1總得总得
Jyutpingzung2 dak1
Yalejúng dāk
Definition
Must; have to; to need to do something in any case.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
Carries a sense of inevitability or an underlying requirement that cannot be avoided. It is often used to emphasize that despite difficulties or reluctance, a certain action remains necessary. While it functions similarly to 必須, it feels slightly more conversational and focused on the necessity of the outcome.
Examples
This matter must be sorted out.
You really have to find some time to talk to him.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 總係, which means always or invariably. Ensure you do not use it to describe habitual actions, as it strictly relates to obligation or necessity.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
