Saying it already happened
Using 咗 to mark a completed action
Using 咗 to mark a completed action. Work through clear examples, then lock it in with interactive Cantonese practice in the YumCha app.
Saying it already happened
Unlike English, Cantonese doesn't change the verb for the past. To show an action is **already finished**, you add one little word right after it. That's how you say “I ate” instead of “I eat”.
Already done
verb + 咗
Put 咗 right after the verb to show the action is finished. 我食咗 means “I have eaten”, 我去咗 means “I went”. For a two-part verb like 沖涼 (shower) or 飲茶 (have tea), 咗 goes inside, between the two parts: 沖咗涼, 飲咗茶.
I have eaten
He went to the mall
I have showered
Already done
To say an action is finished, add **咗** right after the verb: 食**咗**, 去**咗**. For two-part verbs, 咗 goes inside: 沖**咗**涼. No past tense needed, just 咗.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Saying it already happened lesson free?
Yes. This Cantonese lesson is free to read online, with romanization and meanings for every word. In the YumCha app, your first lesson is free to try, and vocabulary practice, flashcards, and the dictionary stay free. A subscription unlocks the full interactive lesson path.
What romanization is used?
Both Jyutping and Yale, and you can switch between them. The romanization sits above every word, so you always know the pronunciation.
Do I need to read Chinese characters to start?
No. Romanization sits above every character and audio plays each word, so you can start speaking from your first lesson.