17.11 The Adverb 就 zau6 I (Determination) and the Sentence Particle 啦 laa1 II (Decision)
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We can use the adverb 就 zau6 to show determination. We often add 就 zau6 when indicating a decision. Where we put 就 zau6 in a sentence depends on the meaning and the structure of the sentence. We will see different examples below and in later lessons.
| A: | 你幾時得呀？ nei5 gei2 si4 dak1 aa3? When are you okay? |
| B: | 我星期五或者星期日得。 ngo5 sing1 kei4 ng5 waak6 ze2 sing1 kei4 jat6 dak1. I am okay on Friday or Sunday. |
| A: | 我星期五都得呀。 ngo5 sing1 kei4 ng5 dou1 dak1 aa3. I am okay on Friday too. |
| B: | 噉就星期五。 gam2 zau6 sing1 kei4 ng5. Friday then. [= Let’s just choose Friday then.] |
We can also use the sentence particle 啦 laa1 to indicate a decision.
噉星期五啦。
gam2 sing1 kei4 ng5 laa1.
Friday then.
[= Let’s just choose Friday then.]
We often use both the adverb 就 and the sentence particle 啦 at the same time when indicating a decision.
噉就星期五啦。
gam2 zau6 sing1 kei4 ng5 laa1.
Friday then.
[= Let’s just choose Friday then.]
We can use 就 zau6 and 啦 laa1 with the adverb 不如 bat1 jyu4 (‘why not’) to suggest a final decision.
| A: | 你幾時得呀？ nei5 gei2 si4 dak1 aa3? When are you okay? |
| B: | 我星期五或者星期日得。 ngo5 sing1 kei4 ng5 waak6 ze2 sing1 kei4 jat6 dak1. I am okay on Friday or Sunday. |
| A: | 噉不如就星期五啦。 gam2 bat1 jyu4 zau6 sing1 kei4 ng5 laa1. Why don’t we just choose Friday then? |
| B: | 好呀。 hou2 aa3. Good. [= Sure.] |