Understanding the Cantonese Aspect Marker '咗' (zo2)

What is an Aspect Marker in Cantonese?

In Cantonese, aspect markers help convey the temporal flow of actions. Unlike tense, which places an action in time (past, present, future), aspect provides additional information about the state of the action, such as whether it is complete, ongoing, or habitual.

Introduction to '咗' (zo2)

The aspect marker '咗' (zo2) is used to indicate that an action has been completed. It's similar to the past tense in English, but it's not limited to past actions. It emphasizes the completion of the action rather than when it happened.

When to Use '咗' (zo2)

You typically use '咗' (zo2) following a verb to indicate that the action is finished. For instance, in saying "I have eaten," the completion of eating is the focus. Below are examples to illustrate this usage.

Forming Sentences with '咗' (zo2)

To structure a sentence with '咗' (zo2), place it immediately after the verb. Here's a simple pattern to follow:

• Subject + Verb + 咗 (zo2) + Object

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

English speakers often confuse '咗' (zo2) with the past tense. Remember, it's about completion, not just past events. Also, ensure '咗' (zo2) directly follows the verb for correct sentence structure.