37.5 The Verb 即係 zik1 hai6 (‘to be equal to, to mean’)
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The verb 即係 zik1 hai6 means ‘to be equal to, to mean’. We use it to introduce information that helps the listener to identify the thing or person in the subject. We put the information after 即係 zik1 hai6 (as a subject complement).
We can also use 即係 zik1 hai6 in a question to ask for information that helps us to identify the thing or person in the subject. We put a question word after 即係 zik1 hai6.
Let’s look at the sentences and questions above in pairs:
| A: | 彌敦道即係邊條街呀？ nei4 deon1 dou6 zik1 hai6 bin1 tiu4 gaai1 aa3? Which street is Nathan Road equal to? |
| B: | 彌敦道即係隔籬條街呀。 nei4 deon1 dou6 zik1 hai6 gaak3 lei4 tiu4 gaai1 aa3. Nathan Road is equal to the next street. |
| A: | Jason即係邊個呀？ Jason zik1 hai6 bin1 go3 aa3? Who is Jason equal to? |
| B: | Jason即係Amy男朋友呀。 Jason zik1 hai6 Amy naam4 pang4 jau5 aa3. Jason is equal to Amy’s boyfriend. |