Possessive with a demonstrative
Possessor + 呢 (ni1) / 嗰 (go2) + Classifier + Noun
How It Works
This pattern is the standard way to express definite possession while simultaneously pointing at something in natural Cantonese.
1. The Structure
The phrase follows a strict order: Possessor (Pronoun, Name, or Noun Phrase) + Demonstrative (呢 ni1 'this' or 嗰 go2 'that') + Classifier + Noun. If there is more than one item, a number is placed between the demonstrative and the classifier.
2. Omission of 嘅 (ge3)
Unlike the general possessive 嘅 (ge3) structure, this specific demonstrative pattern does not require the particle. Adding it (e.g., *我嘅呢本書) sounds redundant and is often a result of interference from Mandarin grammar.
3. Specificity and Deixis
This pattern is highly specific. While '我本書' (ngo5 bun2 syu1; my book) is definite, '我呢本書' (ngo5 ni1 bun2 syu1; this book of mine) adds a layer of 'pointing' (deixis), indicating exactly which book is being discussed in the physical or conversational space.
4. Plurals
To make the phrase plural without a specific number, use the plural classifier 啲 (di1) in place of a standard classifier: 我呢啲書 (ngo5 ni1 di1 syu1; these books of mine).
Examples (4)
- 我呢兩本書好貴。
These two books of mine are very expensive.
Word by Word: I this two [CL:volume] book very expensive.
Uses the possessor '我' followed by '呢' (this), the number '兩', and the classifier '本' (bun2).
- 阿明嗰架車喺邊度？
Where is that car of Ming's?
Word by Word: Ah-Ming that [CL:vehicle] car at where?
Shows a proper noun '阿明' as the possessor with the demonstrative '嗰' (that) and classifier '架' (gaa3).
- 你呢啲朋友真係衰。
These friends of yours are really mean.
Word by Word: You these [CL:plural] friend really mean.
Uses the plural classifier '啲' (di1) to refer to a group of people.
- 老師嗰張飛唔見咗。
That ticket of the teacher's is missing.
Word by Word: Teacher that [CL:flat] ticket not see [perfective].
Uses a common noun '老師' as the possessor with the classifier '張' (zoeng1) for flat objects like tickets.
Common Mistakes
Thinking the possessive 嘅 (ge3) must be dropped before a demonstrative.
Different Meaning我嘅呢本書好重。我呢本書好重。我嘅呢本書好重 is grammatical: keeping 嘅 (ge3) stresses that the book is mine (as opposed to someone else's). In everyday speech 我呢本書 is the usual, lighter form.
Using English word order (Demonstrative + Possessor).
呢我本書好重。我呢本書好重。In Cantonese, the owner always comes before the demonstrative. You cannot say 'this my book' in the English order.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand this pattern, you first need to know how to express possession using classifiers (e.g., 'my book'). You also need to be familiar with demonstratives ('this' and 'that') and the standard way Cantonese uses classifiers to count or specify nouns.
- Classifier as possessive
This pattern provides the basic structure for possession using a classifier, which is the foundation for adding a demonstrative.
Level 2 - 呢/嗰This / That
The demonstratives 'this' and 'that' are core components of this pattern.
Level 1 - Counting frame
This pattern establishes how to use numbers and classifiers together, which is necessary for the 'CL + Noun' portion of the phrase.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- 嘅Possessive Particle
The general possessive particle; this demonstrative pattern is a more specific version that usually omits it.
Level 1 - 啲Plural Classifier
The plural classifier used in this pattern to refer to multiple items.
Level 1 - Classifier Basics
Understanding which classifier to use is essential for this pattern to be grammatical.
Foundations
Practice Possessive with a demonstrative in Bubblegum
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