即係（重述）

In Other Words

Level 4Sounds Like zik1 hai6

即係 (zik1 hai6) is the Cantonese equivalent of 'in other words' or 'that is to say.' It is used to clarify a point, summarize a situation, or check if you have understood someone correctly.

How It Works

即係 (zik1 hai6) is one of the most versatile tools in spoken Cantonese. While the character 即 (zik1) means 'immediate' or 'namely' in formal contexts, the compound 即係 is highly colloquial.

Key Functions:

  • Reformulation: Used to explain something in simpler terms. A very common variant is 即係話 (zik1 hai6 waa6), which literally means 'that is to say'. (e.g., '佢好孤寒，即係佢唔鍾意使錢。' - He is stingy, in other words he doesn't like spending money.)
  • Logical Inference: Used to draw a conclusion from what someone else said. When checking understanding, speakers often use the phrase 噉即係... (gam2 zik1 hai6...) and typically end the sentence with the particle 呀 (aa3) to seek confirmation. (e.g., '噉即係你唔嚟呀？' - So, that means you aren't coming?)
  • Filler/Repair: Speakers use it to stall for time while thinking or to correct a mistake they just made, similar to 'I mean' or 'like' in English.

Phonological Note:
In fast, natural conversation, you will often hear this reduced to ze1 hai6. This is not a different word, but a natural sound change common in Hong Kong Cantonese. While 即係 is the standard spelling, you will frequently see the reduced form written as 姐係 or 啫係 in informal digital communication. Recognizing these variants is crucial to become proficient in listening and texting.

Examples (4)

  1. 即係你唔想去啦？

    So [in other words], you don't want to go?

    Word by Word: That is you not want go [particle]?

    Here, 即係 (zik1 hai6) is used to check an inference based on the listener's previous behavior or words.

  2. 一斤即係十六兩。

    One catty is [equivalent to] sixteen taels.

    Word by Word: One catty that is sixteen taels.

    This demonstrates the use of 即係 (zik1 hai6) for providing a definition or mathematical equivalence.

  3. 佢份人好度縮，即係好孤寒呀。

    He is very stingy—in other words, very cheap.

    Word by Word: He [classifier] person very stingy, that is very cheap [particle].

    即係 (zik1 hai6) introduces a more common synonym (孤寒 gu1 hon4) to clarify a more idiomatic expression (度縮 dou6 suk1).

  4. 我聽日，即係星期三，會去搵你。

    I will go see you tomorrow—I mean, Wednesday.

    Word by Word: I tomorrow, that is Wednesday, will go find you.

    In this sentence, it acts as a 'repair' marker to provide more specific information mid-sentence.

Common Mistakes

  • Using it as a formal 'is' in writing.

    這即係我的書。
    呢本係我嘅書。

    即係 (zik1 hai6) is a colloquial discourse marker. For simple identification ('This is my book'), just use the standard copula 係 (hai6).

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

    佢即係遲到。
    佢成日都遲到。

    Learners sometimes think 即係 (zik1 hai6) means 'always' because it defines a state. To say 'always,' use 成日都 (seng4 jat6 dou1).

How It Connects

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即係（重述）Level 4In Other Words

Learn This First

To understand '即係' (zik1 hai6), learners first need to be comfortable with the basic copula '係' (to be). Since '即係' is used to reformulate, clarify, or summarize a previous statement, it is helpful to understand how Cantonese handles reported speech and discourse transitions.

Words in This Pattern

即系