zyu6住

Jyutpingzyu6

Yalejyuh

語素Very common

Definition

For now; temporarily (used with negation to indicate not doing something yet).

colloquialdaily actions

How it's used

Functions as a temporal marker that specifically signals a pause or delay in an action. It is almost exclusively paired with negative imperatives or negative statements to indicate that something should be held off or is not yet ready to be addressed. The tone is often urgent or directive when used in commands.

Examples

nei5你m4唔hou2好zau2走zyu6住，ngo5我jau5有je5嘢mei6未gong2講jyun4完。

Don't leave yet, I have something I haven't finished saying.

ni1呢gin2件si6事ci4遲di1啲sin1先syun3算，m4唔hou2好nam2諗zyu6住。

Let's deal with this later, don't think about it for now.

Common phrases

mai5咪zyu6住

Wait a second

m4唔hou2好zyu6住

Don't do it yet

Common mistake

Beginners often confuse this with the progressive aspect marker 住, which indicates an ongoing action. Remember that when used for delay, it always appears in a negative context, whereas the progressive marker can be used in both positive and negative sentences.