啲（比較）
A Bit More
Adjective + 啲 (di1) = Comparative form (e.g., 'better', 'faster').
How It Works
The particle 啲 (di1) is the standard way to form comparisons in spoken Cantonese when the object of comparison is implied by context.
1. Word Order:
Unlike English ('more expensive') or Mandarin (比較), 啲 (di1) always comes after the adjective.
Pattern: [Subject] + [Adjective] + 啲
2. Elliptical Comparison:
Use this pattern when you are comparing two things but only naming one of them. For example, if you are looking at two shirts, you point to one and say 呢件貴啲 (ni1 gin6 gwai3 di1) 'This one is more expensive [than that one].'
3. Softening Requests:
Adding 啲 to a command or request makes it sound less blunt and more like a suggestion. Saying 快啲 (faai3 di1) 'faster' sounds more natural and polite than just saying 快 (faai3) 'fast!'.
4. Nuance of 'A Little':
While 啲 literally means 'a little,' in this grammatical position, it often just marks the comparative degree. If you want to emphasize that the difference is truly tiny, you can add 少少 (siu2 siu2) after it: 好啲少少 (hou2 di1 siu2 siu2) 'a tiny bit better'.
Examples (5)
- 呢個好啲。
This one is better.
Word by Word: This one good more.
Here, 啲 (di1) follows the adjective 好 (hou2) to create the comparative 'better'.
- 今日熱啲。
Today is hotter.
Word by Word: Today hot more.
Used when comparing today's weather to yesterday's without explicitly mentioning yesterday.
- 行快啲啦！
Walk a bit faster!
Word by Word: Walk fast more [particle]!
Adding 啲 (di1) to the adjective 快 (faai3) softens the command into a suggestion.
- 我想買平啲嘅衫。
I want to buy cheaper clothes.
Word by Word: I want buy cheap more [possessive] clothes.
啲 (di1) can be used within a noun phrase to describe a preference for something 'more [adjective]'.
- 細聲啲呀。
Be a bit quieter (lower your voice).
Word by Word: Small sound more [particle].
A common way to ask someone to adjust their behavior using the comparative.
Common Mistakes
Placing 啲 before the adjective.
呢個啲好。呢個好啲。Learners often follow English ('more good') or Mandarin word order. In Cantonese, the comparative marker must follow the adjective.
Using both 啲 and 過 (gwo3) in the same comparison.
佢高啲過我。佢高過我。If you mention the person you are comparing against (me/我), you must use 過 (gwo3) and omit 啲 (di1).
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use '啲' as a comparative marker, you first need to understand that Cantonese adjectives function like verbs. You also need to be familiar with the character '啲' in its more basic classifier form. Finally, knowing how explicit comparisons work with '過' helps you understand that '啲' is the natural way to express 'a bit more' when you aren't explicitly naming the thing you are comparing against.
- 啲Plural Classifier
The character '啲' is first introduced as a plural classifier or to mean 'some'; understanding its basic form helps in recognizing its role as a comparative marker.
Level 1 - 過（比較）More … than
While '啲' is used for implicit comparisons, '過' is used for explicit comparisons. Understanding the general concept of comparison in Cantonese provides the necessary context for using '啲' when the object of comparison is omitted.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- 啲 + NounThe (Plural)
The same character 啲 (di1) acts as a plural marker or 'some' when placed before a noun.
Level 2 - 少少A Little Bit
Used to specify that the difference is only 'a tiny bit' rather than a general 'more'.
Level 1 - 最Most / -est
The superlative marker ('most' or '-est'), used to compare three or more items.
Level 2 - Adjective + 啲 + 啦Be a Bit More …
A specific pattern used for making suggestions or giving soft commands.
Level 2
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
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