zyu2 sau1主修
Jyutpingzyu2 sau1
Yalejyú sāu
Definition
To major in a subject at university or college.
neutralschool
How it's used
Academic contexts in Hong Kong often use this term to describe one's primary field of study. While it functions as a verb, it is frequently paired with the specific subject name directly following it. It carries a slightly formal tone compared to casual talk about school life, but it remains the standard way to discuss university majors.
Examples
What subject did you major in at university?
He is majoring in economics, it is very hard to study.
Related words
Common phrases
major subject
Common mistake
Learners often try to add a preposition like 喺 or 讀 before the subject, but it is more natural to place the subject directly after the verb, such as 主修歷史.
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.
