值得

Be Worth

Level 4Sounds Like zik6 dak1

值得 (zik6 dak1) = 'to be worth' or 'worthwhile'. It evaluates whether the result of an action justifies the cost (time, money, or effort).

How It Works

值得 (zik6 dak1) is a versatile evaluative verb used to discuss the value of an action or to express that someone deserves something.

1. Basic Structure:
The most common pattern is 值得 + [Verb Phrase].
Example: 呢本書值得睇 (nei1 bun2 syu1 zik6 dak1 tai2) - 'This book is worth reading.'

2. The 'One-Try' and 'Give-it-a-go' Idioms:

  • 值得一 (jat1) + [Monosyllabic Verb]: A formal way to say 'worth a [verb]'. Example: 值得一試 (zik6 dak1 jat1 si3) - 'Worth a try.'
  • 值得 + [Verb] + 吓 (haa2): A more colloquial way to suggest something is worth trying out. Example: 值得去吓 (zik6 dak1 heoi3 haa2) - 'Worth going to (for a look).'

3. Worth Someone Doing:
You can also specify who is doing the action using 值得 + [Subject] + [Verb].
Example: 呢件事值得你去做 (nei1 gin6 si6 zik6 dak1 nei5 heoi3 zou6) - 'This matter is worth you doing.'

4. Meaning 'To Deserve':
Even when translated as 'deserve', 值得 typically precedes a verb phrase. In the sentence 佢值得獎勵 (keoi5 zik6 dak1 zoeng2 lai6), 獎勵 (zoeng2 lai6) functions as a verb ('to be rewarded'). A noun phrase can also follow directly (as in the last example, 值得更好嘅生活), but for things like 'this award' speakers often prefer 應得 (jing1 dak1) or adding a verb, such as 值得攞 (zik6 dak1 lo2, 'worth getting').

5. Modification and Negation:

  • Use 好 (hou2) to say something is 'very worth it': 好值得.
  • Negate it with 唔 (m4): 唔值得 ('not worth it' or 'doesn't deserve').

6. Register Note:
While 值得 is used in both spoken and written contexts, it is the standard choice for abstract value (relationships, effort, advice). For 'value for money' or bargains, colloquial Cantonese often uses 抵 (dai2) instead.

Examples (6)

  1. 呢套戲好值得睇，你一定要去。

    This movie is well worth watching; you must go.

    Word by Word: This set movie very worth watch, you definitely must go.

    Here, 值得 (zik6 dak1) is modified by 好 (hou2) to emphasize that the action of watching is highly meritorious.

  2. 為咗呢件小事唔開心，真係唔值得。

    It's really not worth being unhappy over such a small matter.

    Word by Word: For this piece small matter not happy, really not worth.

    In this case, 值得 is negated with 唔 (m4) to show that the emotional cost isn't justified.

  3. 呢個建議值得我哋考慮。

    This suggestion is worth our consideration.

    Word by Word: This [CL] suggestion worth us consider.

    值得 can be followed by a full clause (us considering) to show what action is being evaluated.

  4. 呢度嘅風景好靚，值得一去。

    The scenery here is beautiful; it's worth a visit.

    Word by Word: Here [possessive] scenery very pretty, worth one go.

    Uses the '值得一 (zik6 dak1 jat1) + Verb' pattern to indicate a single action is worthwhile.

  5. 佢做咗咁多嘢，值得更好嘅生活。

    He has done so much; he deserves a better life.

    Word by Word: He do-already so much thing, worth better [possessive] life.

    When followed by a noun phrase, 值得 functions as 'to deserve'.

  6. 呢間餐廳好出名，值得試吓。

    This restaurant is very famous; it's worth giving it a try.

    Word by Word: This [CL] restaurant very famous, worth try a bit.

    In colloquial speech, 值得 is often paired with the delimitative aspect 吓 (haa2) to suggest something is worth a quick try.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 值得 for monetary price.

    呢個袋值得五千蚊。
    呢個袋值五千蚊。

    When stating a specific price or monetary value, use the single character '值' (zik6). '值得' is for evaluating actions or merit.

  • Using 值得 for 'serves you right'.

    你輸咗，你值得！
    你輸咗，抵你死！

    In English, 'you deserve it' can be negative. In Cantonese, '值得' is usually neutral or positive. For 'serves you right', use '抵' (dai2).

How It Connects

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值得Level 4Be Worth

Learn This First

To understand 值得 (worth), learners need to be familiar with how Cantonese uses the potential marker '得' and how verbs can be modified to express value or capability. It also requires a basic grasp of Cantonese sentence structure where the evaluation precedes the action.

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