暫時
zaam6 si4
The Cantonese word for "temporary" is 暫時 (zaam6 si4).
暫時 is used to describe things that are for a limited time, ephemeral or not constant.
Meaning: for a limited time, ephemeral, not constant (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 暫 (zaam6), meaning "temporary" or "provisional" and 時 (si4), meaning "time".
Which one should you use?
While the English adjective "temporary" often modifies a noun directly, such as in "a temporary job", 暫時 is frequently used in Cantonese to modify a verb or an entire situation, such as "I am temporarily staying here".
How does it change in a sentence?
Although 暫時 functions as an adjective, it is very commonly used as an adverb meaning "for the time being" or "temporarily" in Cantonese sentences.
How do you pronounce it?
zaam6 si4
Did you know?
- In Cantonese, when someone says 暫時 in response to a request, it often functions as a polite 'soft no' or a way to procrastinate without giving a definitive refusal.
- While 暫時 describes a temporary state, Cantonese speakers often use the word 臨時 (lam4 si4) to describe something unplanned or 'last-minute', such as a 'temporary' substitute teacher.
- The character 暫 (zaam6) in 暫時 is also the same character used in the word for 'to pause' or 'to halt' in many classical contexts.
Examples in context
- 臨時工作 (làhm sìh gūng jok)Temporary job
- 呢個只係暫時嘅改變。ni1 go3 zi2 si6 zoeng3 si4 ge3 goi1 bin3.This is only a temporary change.
- 我暫時唔想食飯。ngo5 zoeng3 si4 m4 soeng2 sik6 faan6.I temporarily don't want to eat.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a project at the office.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan嘉欣：呢個位暫時由你負責。gaa1 han1: ni1 go3 wai2 zaam6 si4 jau4 nei5 fu6 zaak3.Ka Yan: For the time being, you'll be responsible for this part.
- 子健 Tsz Kin子健：好嘅，我會盡快處理。zi2 gin6: hou2 ge3, ngo5 wui5 zeon6 faai3 cyu2 lei5.Tsz Kin: Okay, I will handle it as soon as possible.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan嘉欣：記得隨時話我知進度。gaa1 han1: gei3 dak1 sui4 si4 waa4 ngo5 zi1 zeon3 dou6.Ka Yan: Remember to let me know the progress anytime.
- 子健 Tsz Kin子健：冇問題，我而家就開始。zi2 gin6: mou5 man6 tai4, ngo5 ji4 gaa2 zau6 hoi1 ci2.Tsz Kin: No problem, I'll start now.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
