就...而言

As Far as Is Concerned

Level 6

The structure 就...而言 (zau6... ji4 jin4) is a formal way to say 'As far as [X] is concerned' or 'In terms of [X]'. It sets the boundaries for the argument you are about to make.

How It Works

The pattern 就...而言 (zau6... ji4 jin4) functions as a topic-delimiting frame. While Cantonese often uses simple topicalization, this specific structure adds a layer of analytical precision and formality.

1. Usage and Structure:
It wraps around a Noun Phrase (NP) or a nominalized clause. The structure is:
就 + [Topic/Scope] + 而言

2. Register and Context:
This pattern is a borrowing from Classical Chinese. In daily life, you will hear it on the news or in speeches. In casual conversation, native speakers almost always replace it with the colloquial equivalent 就...嚟講 (zau6... lai4 gong2). Using 而言 in a casual setting can sound overly stiff or 'bookish'. In extremely formal writing, the initial 就 is sometimes omitted, leaving just [Topic] 而言.

3. Nuance and Variations:
It implies that the statement following the frame is specifically true for the defined scope. Advanced learners should note the variation 單就...而言 (daan1 zau6... ji4 jin4), which means 'Just in terms of [X] alone'. A formal synonym is 從...而言 (cung4... ji4 jin4), which carries the same meaning of 'from the perspective of'.

4. Scope vs. Perspective:
It is important to distinguish this from 對於...而言. Use 就 for objective scopes (e.g., 'In terms of cost') and 對於 for subjective perspectives (e.g., 'As far as I am concerned').

Examples (4)

  1. 就法律而言，佢嘅行為並無違法。

    As far as the law is concerned, his actions were not illegal.

    Word by Word: Regarding law concerned, his possessive behavior definitely not violate law.

    Here, 法律 (faat3 leot6 - law) is the scope. The speaker is clarifying that the legality is the only aspect being discussed.

  2. 就目前嘅經濟環境而言，加息係不可避免嘅。

    In terms of the current economic environment, a rate hike is unavoidable.

    Word by Word: Regarding current possessive economic environment concerned, add interest is not can avoid possessive.

    This uses a longer nominal phrase 'current economic environment' as the scope. Note the use of formal vocabulary like 不可避免 (bat1 ho2 bei6 min5 - unavoidable).

  3. 就個人發展而言，呢份工提供咗好多機會。

    As far as personal development is concerned, this job provides many opportunities.

    Word by Word: Regarding personal development concerned, this classifier job provide-perfective very many opportunity.

    This example shows how the frame limits the benefit of the job specifically to 'personal development' (go3 jan4 faat3 zin2).

  4. 就技術層面而言，呢個方案係可行嘅。

    In terms of the technical aspect, this proposal is feasible.

    Word by Word: Regarding technical level concerned, this classifier proposal is feasible possessive.

    This example focuses on a specific 'technical level' (gei6 seot6 cang4 min6) scope. Note that for personal perspectives (e.g., 'To me'), Cantonese typically uses 對於...而言 instead.

Common Mistakes

  • Mixing formal frames with very colloquial sentence-final particles.

    就法律而言，佢冇做錯嘢囉。
    就法律而言，佢並無犯錯。

    而言 (ji4 jin4) is high register. Pairing it with colloquial particles like 囉 (lo1) or 咩 (me1) creates a register clash. Stick to formal endings or the neutral 嘅 (ge3).

  • Redundantly combining the formal and colloquial versions.

    就呢件事而言嚟講...
    就呢件事而言...

    Learners sometimes combine 而言 (ji4 jin4) and 嚟講 (lai4 gong2). You must choose one based on the desired level of formality.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

就...而言Level 6As Far as Is Concerned

Learn This First

The pattern '就...而言' is a formal structure used to delimit a specific topic or scope within an argument, similar to the English 'as far as... is concerned' or 'in terms of...'. It is primarily used in formal writing or speeches. To understand it, learners should already be familiar with basic topic-marking strategies like '關於' and '至於', and be aware of the differences between spoken and written Cantonese registers.

Words in This Pattern

而言