If without an if-word

Level 3Sounds Like jan2 ham4 tiu4 gin2 geoi3

In spoken Cantonese, you can express a conditional relationship ('If A, then B') simply by stating the condition first and the result second. While the word 'if' (如果 jyu4-gwo2) is omitted, the second clause usually uses a linking adverb like 就 (zau6 - then) to signal the connection.

How It Works

Implicit conditionals are a colloquial preference in Cantonese conversation. Instead of using formal 'if' words, speakers rely on Topic-Comment structure and linking adverbs.

1. The Topic-Comment Framework:
In Cantonese, the condition acts as the 'Topic' (the context) and the result acts as the 'Comment' (what happens in that context). The condition must come first. You cannot say 'I will go if you go' in this order; you must say 'You go, I go.'

2. The Linking Adverbs:
To make the relationship clear, the second clause often contains a 'bridge' word placed before the verb:

  • 就 (zau6): 'Then' (indicates a direct consequence).
  • 都 (dou1): 'Also/Even' (indicates the result happens regardless).
  • 先至 (sin1 zi3): 'Only then' (indicates a necessary requirement). While 先 (sin1) can be used alone, 先至 is more common and avoids confusion with the sequential 'first'.

3. Marking the Condition:
While the 'if' word at the start is often dropped, speakers frequently use 嘅話 (ge3 waa2) at the end of the first clause to explicitly mark it as a condition (e.g., 落雨嘅話... 'If it rains...').

4. Subject Omission:
Cantonese is a pro-drop language. If the subject of the condition and the result is the same, it is almost always omitted in the second clause.

Examples (6)

  1. 落雨，我都去。

    Even if it rains, I'll still go.

    Word by Word: Fall rain, I also go.

    The word 都 (dou1) here functions like 'even if' or 'regardless', showing that the result happens despite the condition.

  2. 做晒功課，先至准睇電視。

    Only if you finish your homework are you allowed to watch TV.

    Word by Word: Do-finish homework, first-until allow watch television.

    The adverb 先至 (sin1 zi3) marks a necessary requirement. In this conditional sense, it must appear before the verb in the second clause.

  3. 你唔去，我唔去。

    If you don't go, I won't go.

    Word by Word: You not go, I not go.

    A classic example of parataxis. The logic is 'If A happens, B happens.' No linking word is strictly needed here because the parallel structure makes it obvious.

  4. 唔聽話，就冇糖食。

    If you aren't obedient, you get no candy.

    Word by Word: Not listen word, then not-have candy eat.

    Commonly used by parents. The word 就 (zau6) acts as the 'then' that anchors the conditional relationship.

  5. 有心，實做得到。

    If you have the heart (will), you can surely do it.

    Word by Word: Have heart, surely do-attain-able.

    The word 實 (sat6 - surely) reinforces the result clause, making the 'if' relationship clear through context.

  6. 你肯做，實有人幫。

    If you are willing to do it, there will surely be people to help.

    Word by Word: You willing do, surely have people help.

    The condition 'willing to do' (肯做 hang2 zou6) is simply placed before the result.

Common Mistakes

  • Reversing the order of clauses (English style).

    我唔去你唔去。
    你唔去，我唔去。

    In English, 'I won't go if you don't go' can put the condition last. In Cantonese the condition normally comes first, as in 你唔去，我唔去. Reversed, the two clauses read like two separate statements, so the conditional link is lost.

  • Leaving out 就 in the second clause (also fine, just less firm).

    Different Meaning落雨我唔出街。
    落雨我就唔出街。

    落雨我唔出街 is a natural short sentence. Adding 就 (zau6) or 都 (dou1) makes the consequence clearer and a little firmer: 落雨我就唔出街.

How It Connects

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If without an if-wordLevel 3

Learn This First

Implicit conditionals in Cantonese rely on the juxtaposition of two clauses where the first is understood as the condition and the second as the result. To learn this, a learner needs to be comfortable with basic clause linking and the use of '就' (then) to mark consequences, as well as the standard 'if' construction which this pattern simplifies.