Language/Yue-chinese/Grammar/Possibility-and-Certainty

Yue Chinese → Grammar → Possibility and Certainty

As a continuation of our Intermediate Grammar course, in this lesson, we will learn how to express possibility and certainty in Yue Chinese using modal particles and verbs. This is a crucial aspect of communicating in any language and will help you express your thoughts and opinions clearly. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently use these grammar concepts in conversation.

Modal Particles

Modal particles are an important part of Yue Chinese grammar. They are multi-functional particles that can reflect tone of voice, politeness, certainty, and more. The most common modal particles used to express possibility and certainty are 會 (wúih), 應該 (ying1 goi1), 可能 (ho2 nang4), and 一定 (yat1 ding6).

Let's take a closer look at each modal particle in the table below:

Modal Particle	Pronunciation	English Translation
會	wúih	May/Can
應該	ying1 goi1	Should
可能	ho2 nang4	Maybe/Possible
一定	yat1 ding6	Definitely

Here are some examples of how to use these modal particles in a sentence:

• 我會唱歌。 (ngo5 wúih họng1 go1) - I can sing.
• 你應該早點睡。(nei5 ying1 goi1 jou2 dim2 seoi6) - You should sleep earlier.
• 他可能會遲到。 (taa1 ho2 nang4 wúih ci4 dou3) - He may be late.
• 我一定要參加這個聚會。 (ngo5 yat1 ding6 jiu3 caan1 gaa1 ze2 go3 zeon6 wui6) - I must attend this gathering.

Note that the tone of voice plays an important role in conveying the meaning of these sentences. Practice using these modal particles with confidence and clarity.

Modal Verbs

Another way to express possibility and certainty in Yue Chinese is by using modal verbs. The most common modal verbs used are 可以 (ho2 ji5) and 能 (nang4).

Let's take a closer look at each modal verb in the table below:

Modal Verb	Pronunciation	English Translation
可以	ho2 ji5	Can
能	nang4	Can

Here are some examples of how to use these modal verbs in a sentence:

• 我可以帮你。(ngo5 ho2 ji5 bong1 nei5) - I can help you.
• 他能说流利的粤语。(taa1 nang4 syut3 lau4 lei6 dik1 jyut6 jyu5) - He can speak fluent Yue Chinese.

Note that these modal verbs are used in different contexts than the modal particles. They are usually used for requests, permissions, or abilities. Make sure to use the appropriate grammar structure for each context.

Negation

It's important to know how to negate these grammar concepts when needed. To negate possibility and certainty, we can use the negation word 不 (bat1) placed before the modal particle or verb. Here are some examples:

• 我不會唱歌。 (ngo5 bat1 wúih họng1 go1) - I can't sing.
• 你不應該吃那麼多。(nei5 bat1 ying1 goi1 sik6 naa5 mo1 do1) - You shouldn't eat so much.
• 他不可能會參加聚會。(taa1 bat1 ho2 nang4 wúih caan1 gaa1 ze2 wui6) - He cannot attend the gathering.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have completed the Possibility and Certainty lesson for Yue Chinese Grammar! In this lesson, we learned how to use modal particles and verbs to express possibility and certainty, and how to negate those concepts using 不 (bat1). Keep practicing these grammar elements in your daily conversation to become more fluent in Yue Chinese!

Sources

• Yue Chinese
• Modal particle

Related Lessons

• Give your Opinion
• Nouns
• Verb Tense
• Hello and Goodbye
• How to Use Have
• Plurals
• Expressing Comparison
• Comprehensive Review
• Pronouns