6.2 Introduction to Aspect Particles

Aspect is about the status of an activity (e.g., whether the activity is ongoing or completed). In Cantonese, we use aspect particles to indicate aspect.

  1. 我食緊早餐。
    ngo5 sik6 gan2 zou2 caan1.
    I am eating breakfast.
    緊 gan2 is an aspect particle. It indicates the action 食 sik6 (‘to eat’) is ongoing.

  2. 我食咗早餐。
    ngo5 sik6 zo2 zou2 caan1.
    I have eaten breakfast.
    咗 zo2 is an aspect particle. It indicates the action 食 sik6 (‘to eat’) is completed.

We put an aspect particle after the verb and before the object if there is one.

  1. 我行緊。
    ngo5 haang4 gan2.
    I am walking.
    The aspect particle 緊 gan2 is put after the verb 行 haang4 (‘to walk’).

  2. 我食咗早餐。
    ngo5 sik6 zo2 zou2 caan1.
    I have eaten breakfast.
    The aspect particle 咗 zo2 is put after the verb 食 sik6 (‘to eat’) and before the object 早餐 zou2 caan1 (‘breakfast’).