When things happen
Where the time word goes, and how to mark something as done
This grammar lesson tidies up the timing of your sentences. You will see why the time word in Cantonese comes early, before the verb rather than after it, so the listener knows the “when” up front. It also shows you how to flag that an action is finished, which is the closest Cantonese gets to a past tense.
When things happen
English often puts the time at the end: “I work **today**”. Cantonese does the opposite. The **time comes before the verb**. And to show something is already **done**, you add one small word after the verb.
Time before the verb
(who) + time + verb
The word for when something happens goes before the verb, not at the end. So “I go to work today” is literally “I today go-to-work”.
I go to work today
I go to school tomorrow
He gets up in the morning
Marking something as done
verb + 咗
To show an action is already finished, add 咗 right after the verb. It marks completion, like the difference between “eat” and “ate” in English. The examples below show it in action.
I have eaten
He has gone to sleep
Time first, then done
Put the **time before the verb**, never at the end. And to show something is already **done**, add **咗** straight after the verb.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the time word go in a Cantonese sentence?
The time word usually comes before the verb, often right after the subject. You set the “when” first and then say what happens.
Does Cantonese have a past tense?
Not in the way English does. Instead of changing the verb, Cantonese adds a marker to show an action is completed, which this lesson walks you through.
Why does word order matter for talking about time?
Because Cantonese relies on position rather than verb endings, putting the time word in the right spot is what keeps your sentence clear and natural.