Result complements
Cantonese often adds a second element after the verb to show result, success, understanding, or completion.
Examples
CantoneseTranslation
我睇明咗呢句。Ngo5 tai2 ming4 zo2 ni1 geoi3.
I understood this sentence.
佢寫錯咗一個字。Keoi5 se2 co3 zo2 jat1 go3 zi6.
He wrote one character incorrectly.
我哋做完功課先出去。Ngo5dei6 zou6 jyun4 gung1fo3 sin1 ceot1heoi3.
We will finish the homework before going out.
Pattern
verb + result complement
How it works
Cantonese often adds a second element after the verb to show result, success, understanding, or completion. This pattern typically appears as verb + result complement and becomes easier when you meet it again in short, readable examples.
What to notice
- The complement shows what came out of the action, not only that the action happened.
- Common complements include 明, 完, 錯, 好, and 晒.
Why it matters
Describe result, sequence, and how an action develops.
Use in context
Result complements matter because Cantonese often builds meaning into the verb phrase instead of a separate sentence.