邊個時候
bin1 go3 si4 hau6
The English phrase 'when' can be translated into Cantonese as 邊個時候 (bin1 go3 si4 hau6).
This phrase is used as a conjunction to mean 'as soon as' or 'at the time that'.
Meaning: as soon as, at the time that (conj)
How do you pronounce it?
bin1 go3 si4 hau6
Did you know?
- The word 邊個 in 邊個時候 is the same phrase used to ask 'who' when referring to people. In this context, it functions like 'which' to pinpoint a specific time.
- The character 候 in 時候 originally referred to a 'watcher' or someone waiting. This implies that 'time' is something one waits for or observes.
- In casual spoken Cantonese, the formal 邊個時候 is often shortened to 幾時, which is much more common in daily conversation.
Examples in context
- 你幾時放假？When do you have a vacation?
- 你幾點放工？When do you finish work?
Example conversation
Ka Yan and Ka Ming are planning a meeting.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan家明，你邊個時候方便見面？gaa1 ming4, nei5 bin1 go3 si4 hau6 fong1 bin1 gin3 min6?Ka Ming, when is it convenient for you to meet?
- 家明 Ka Ming我星期五下晝得。ngo5 sing1 kei4 ng5 haa6 zau3 dak1.I am free Friday afternoon.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan咁我哋嗰個時候見啦。gam2 ngo5 dei6 go2 go3 si4 hau6 gin3 laa1.Then let's meet at that time.
- 家明 Ka Ming好，到時見。hou2, dou3 si4 gin3.Okay, see you then.
