嘞 (laak3)

Change of State That Matters

Level 2Sounds Like la3

The sentence-final particle 嘞 (laak3) signals that a situation has changed or reached a conclusion. It emphasizes that a matter is now settled, complete, or carries an immediate consequence requiring attention.

How It Works

1. Meaning and Function
The particle 嘞 (Jyutping: laak3) is attached to the very end of a clause to express a change of state (equivalent to Mandarin le 了) with extra pragmatic weight. It indicates 'it is now the case that [X], whereas it was not before.' The presence of the unreleased checked stop -k adds a layer of decisiveness, resolution, or immediate real-world impact.

2. How to Use It
嘞 (laak3) is placed at the end of full sentences or main predicates. It frequently occurs after verbs marked for completion or result (such as 完 jyun4 'to finish' or 咗 zo2 perfective aspect). It can also follow adjectives to state a newly settled situation (e.g., 啱嘞 ngaam1 laak3 - 'that's correct now').

3. Particle Clusters
You will very often hear 嘞 (laak3) combined with 㗎 (gaa3) (itself a fusion of 嘅 (ge3) + 呀 (aa3)) in the cluster 㗎嘞 (gaa3 laak3). This combination asserts a fact while simultaneously declaring it a settled, final situation.

4. Pronunciation Note
Pronounced as Tone 3 mid-level entering tone (/laːk̚/), the final -k is an unreleased velar stop ([k̚]), articulated by making contact with the back of the tongue against the velum. In fast casual speech, native speakers sometimes relax this coda, sounding closer to 喇 (laa3).

Examples (4)

  1. 我食完嘞。

    I've finished eating now.

    Word by Word: I eat finish laak3

    Using 嘞 (laak3) here emphasizes that the eating action is complete, implying an immediate next step like clearing the plate or leaving.

  2. 開飯嘞！

    Dinner's ready now! / Time to eat!

    Word by Word: open meal laak3

    Marks a sudden change of situation (food is served) that invites immediate action from the listeners.

  3. 唔使留㗎嘞。

    There's no need to keep it anymore.

    Word by Word: not need keep gaa3 laak3

    Combines 㗎 (gaa3) and 嘞 (laak3) to assert a settled decision that a state of affairs has changed.

  4. 夠時間嘞，我哋要走嘞。

    Time's up now, we have to go now.

    Word by Word: enough time laak3, we must leave laak3

    Shows two connected state changes: time has run out, leading directly to the immediate consequence of needing to leave.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 嘞 (laak3) when you mean a friendly suggestion.

    Different Meaning我哋一齊走嘞！
    我哋一齊走啦！

    我哋一齊走嘞 is natural, but 嘞 (laak3) states a fact ('We are leaving now'). 啦 (laa1, Tone 1) is used for friendly suggestions ('Let's go!').

  • Pronouncing the checked '-k' stop as a fully released English sound with an extra vowel.

    我食完 la-kuh
    我食完嘞 (ngo5 sik6 jyun4 laak3)

    The final '-k' in 嘞 (laak3) is an unreleased stop [k̚]. You should stop the airflow at the velum without popping a sound or adding a vowel sound.

How It Connects

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

嘞 (laak3)Level 2Change of State That Matters

Learn This First

To understand 嘞 (laak3), you first need to be comfortable with the basic change-of-state particle 喇 (laa3). 嘞 (laak3) functions similarly but carries more 'weight' or implies that the change has a direct consequence for the speaker or listener. Knowledge of how Cantonese particles use tone to shift meaning is also helpful.

Words in This Pattern

嘞