一齊
yat1 cai4
In Cantonese, 'together' is expressed as 一齊 (yat1 cai4).
一齊 is an adverb used to describe doing things at the same time or in the same place. It emphasizes doing something together as a group.
Meaning: at the same time, in the same place (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 一齊 consists of 一 (one) and 齊 (together/even/uniform).
Which one should you use?
While 一起 (jat1 hei2) is a common synonym used in many contexts, 一齊 is more characteristic of spoken Cantonese.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Cantonese, 一齊 is typically placed before the verb to indicate the manner in which the action is performed.
How do you pronounce it?
yat1 cai4
Did you know?
- In Cantonese, 齊 is used to describe a haircut where the bangs are cut in a straight line across the forehead. This uses the 'even' or 'uniform' sense of the word.
- The character 齊 in 一齊 is also used to describe someone who is 'neat' or 'tidy' in their appearance.
- If a Cantonese speaker says a set of collectibles is 齊, they mean the collection is complete. This uses the word to describe a state of wholeness rather than a shared action.
Examples in context
- 我哋應該一齊做。We should do that together.This sentence shows how to use 一齊 to suggest a shared action.Tatoeba #5792975 by nickyeow, translation #5781944 by CK
- 我哋一齊飲咗杯茶。We had a cup of tea together.This sentence demonstrates using 一齊 to describe a shared event in the past.Tatoeba #10650633 by nickyeow, translation #8219397 by Hybrid
- 渠等話唔想一齊跳舞。They said that they didn't want to dance together.This sentence illustrates using 一齊 to describe a group's preference regarding a shared activity.Tatoeba #12073428 by thesilhouette, translation #7438085 by CH
- 一齊返屋企食飯啦。Let's go home and eat together.
- 我哋應該共同努力。We should work together.
- 星期日我哋一齊嚟我屋企玩下得唔得？Can we come over to my place and hang out together on Sunday?
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding what to do on the weekend.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung子健，你聽日得唔得閒？zi2 gin6, nei5 ting1 jat6 dak1 m4 dak1 haan4?Zi Kin, are you free tomorrow?
- 子健 Tsz Kin我聽日好得閒。ngo5 ting1 jat6 hou2 dak1 haan4.I am very free tomorrow.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung不如我哋一齊去飲咖啡？bat1 jyu4 ngo5 dei6 jat1 cai4 heoi3 jam2 gaa1 fe1?How about we go drink coffee together?
- 子健 Tsz Kin好呀，冇問題！hou2 aa3, mou5 man6 tai4!Sure, no problem!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
