即係 (zik1 hai6)

I Mean / That Is

Level 4Sounds Like zik1 hai6

即係 (zik1 hai6) is one of the most common phrases in spoken Cantonese. It acts like a bridge between two ideas, helping you explain what you mean, correct yourself, or summarize a point.

How It Works

即係 (zik1 hai6) is a compound of 係 (hai6) meaning "to be" and 即 (zik1) meaning "namely." It is almost exclusively used in spoken Cantonese.

Its main functions include:

  • Equivalence: Defining one thing as another. (e.g., "佢係我表哥，即係我媽咪個侄。" - He is my cousin, that is my mom's nephew.)
  • Clarification/Repair: When you want to rephrase or simplify. (e.g., "好貴呀，即係我買唔起。" - It's expensive, I mean, I can't afford it.)
  • Logical Conclusion: Drawing a 'so that means' result. (e.g., "你唔嚟呀？即係你好忙啦。" - You're not coming? That means you're busy.)
  • Summary Question: Seeking a final decision or the "bottom line" of a situation. (e.g., "即係點呀？" - So, what's the deal / what's the plan?)
  • Filler: Used to hold the floor while thinking, similar to "I mean..." or "Like..." in English.

Common Variations:

  • 即係話 (zik1 hai6 waa6): Often used when the explanation that follows is a longer sentence or a more formal conclusion ("Which is to say that...").
  • 咪即係 (mai6 zik1 hai6): An emphatic version used to point out an obvious equivalence ("Isn't that just..." or "That's exactly...").

In casual speech, you will often hear it pronounced as 啫係 (ze1 hai6). This is a very common "lazy sound" variant, but you should stick to 即係 (zik1 hai6) in more standard contexts.

Examples (5)

  1. 佢係我表哥，即係我阿媽個細佬個仔。

    He is my cousin, that is, my mother's younger brother's son.

    Word by Word: He is my cousin, [that is] my mother [possessive] younger-brother [possessive] son.

    Here, 即係 (zik1 hai6) is used to provide a precise definition of a relationship.

  2. 即係... 我都唔係好肯定。

    I mean... I'm not really sure either.

    Word by Word: [I mean]... I also not is very sure.

    In this context, 即係 (zik1 hai6) acts as a filler or hesitation marker while the speaker gathers their thoughts.

  3. 你唔去，即係唔畀面我啫。

    If you don't go, that means you're just not giving me face.

    Word by Word: You not go, [that means] not give face me [particle].

    Here, 即係 (zik1 hai6) introduces a logical (or emotional) conclusion based on the first clause.

  4. 聽日係公眾假期，即係唔使返工。

    Tomorrow is a public holiday, which means we don't have to work.

    Word by Word: Tomorrow is public holiday, [meaning] no need return work.

    即係 (zik1 hai6) links a fact to its practical implication.

  5. 講咗咁耐，即係點呀？

    We've been talking for so long, so what's the deal?

    Word by Word: Talked for so long, [so] how [particle]?

    This is the 'Summary Question' usage, where 即係 (zik1 hai6) is used to ask for a final decision or the bottom line.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 即係 when you mean "so" (therefore).

    Different Meaning我好攰，即係我唔去喇。
    我好攰，所以我唔去喇。

    我好攰，即係我唔去喇 is fine; 即係 restates: "that is, I am not going". For cause and effect, use 所以 (so2 ji5).

  • Confusing it with 'exactly' or 'precisely'.

    即係呢個！
    就係呢個！

    To say "That's exactly the one!", use 就係 (zau6 hai6). 即係 is for explaining or defining, not for emphatic identification.

How It Connects

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即係 (zik1 hai6)Level 4I Mean / That Is

Learn This First

To understand '即係' (zik1 hai6), you first need to be comfortable with the basic verb '係' (to be), as this pattern literally means 'that is'. It is used as a filler or a way to rephrase a thought, so having experience with other sentence connectors and verbs that introduce clauses will help you use it naturally in conversation.

Words in This Pattern

即系