點解呀？
dim2 gaai2 aa3?
In Cantonese, "what does it mean?" is expressed as 點解呀？ (dim2 gaai2 aa3?)
This phrase is a question used to ask for the reason why something is happening or being said.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 點解, which literally means 'how' (點) and 'solve/untie' (解) to function as 'why' or 'how come' and the sentence-final particle 呀.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle 呀 is added to the end of the question to soften the tone and make it sound more natural in spoken Cantonese.
How do you pronounce it?
dim2 gaai2 aa3?
Did you know?
- In written formal Chinese, you would not use 點解 at all, instead using 為什麼, which is a completely different set of characters.
- If you say 點解呀 with a sharp, falling tone, it can sound like a confrontation or a challenge rather than a simple question.
- If a speaker repeats the phrase as 點解, 點解, 點解？, it often signals a state of desperation or a rhetorical plea rather than a genuine request for information.
Examples in context
- 咩意思?What does it mean?
- 佢突然咁講係點解呀？keoi5 dat6 jin4 gam2 gong2 hai6 dim2 gaai2 aa3?Why did he suddenly say that?
- 今日突然落雨係點解呀？gam1 jat6 dat6 jin4 lok6 jyu5 hai6 dim2 gaai2 aa3?Why did it suddenly rain today?
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a cancelled plan.
- 志強 Chi Keung曉彤，我哋聽日唔去喇。hiu2 tung4, ngo5 dei6 ting1 jat6 m4 heoi3 laa3.曉彤, we aren't going tomorrow anymore.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung點解呀？dim2 gaai2 aa3?Why? What does that mean?
- 志強 Chi Keung因為聽日會落大雨。jan1 wai6 ting1 jat6 wui5 lok6 daai6 jyu5.Because it will rain heavily tomorrow.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung係喎，咁就唔好去。hai6 wo3, gam2 zau6 m4 hou2 heoi3.That's true, then we shouldn't go.
