Describing things
Adjectives without 係, and comparing with 過
This grammar lesson ties the unit together by explaining the rules behind the words. You will see why Cantonese adjectives do not take 係, the verb meaning to be, and instead attach directly to the subject, then learn how the comparison marker 過 slots in to weigh one thing against another. Understanding the pattern means you can describe and compare new things long after the lesson ends.
Describing things
In Cantonese an adjective works like the verb itself. To say “he is good” you do **not** add a **to be** word. You just say “he good”. And to compare two things, you add one word after the adjective.
No “to be” before an adjective
(subject) + adjective
An adjective is its own verb, so it takes no 係. In a plain statement it usually pairs with a degree word first, like 好 (very) or 幾 (quite). Save 係 for naming what something is.
This one is very big
He is quite good
This one is very pretty
Comparing two things
A + adjective + 過 + B
To compare, put 過 after the adjective, then what you compare against: A + adjective + 過 + B. The examples below show how it works.
Coffee is more expensive than tea
Older brother is older than younger brother
Adjectives stand alone
An adjective takes no **is** word; a plain statement adds a degree word like **very** or **quite** first. To compare two things, add **than** after the adjective, as in *bigger-than* or *more-expensive-than*.
Frequently asked questions
Why do Cantonese adjectives not use 係?
In Cantonese, an adjective behaves a bit like a verb, so it links to the subject on its own without 係 (hai6). Adding 係 before an adjective sounds unnatural to native speakers.
How does the comparison marker 過 work?
過 (gwo3) sits right after the adjective to mean more than, with the second item following it. This lesson breaks the structure down so you can build your own comparisons.
Is Cantonese grammar hard for beginners?
Cantonese skips many features that trip up learners, such as verb conjugation and the linking verb with adjectives. This lesson shows how that makes describing things refreshingly direct.