English changes verb endings to show tense, like turning “eat” into “ate” or “eating”.

Cantonese verbs never change their original form.

We use small grammar words called aspect markers placed immediately after a verb to show time and completion.

Understanding how to use these markers helps you speak naturally about the past and present.

Here’s exactly how to use the four most common Cantonese aspect markers.

Completed past actions with 咗 (zo2)

The most common way to talk about the past in Cantonese is using the marker 咗 (zo2).

This marker indicates that an action has been completely finished.

It functions very similarly to adding “-ed” to the end of a verb in English.

To use it, you simply place 咗 immediately after your main verb.

Past experiences with 過 (gwo3)

The marker 過 (gwo3) is also used for the past, but it has a very different meaning than 咗.

You use 過 to express that you’ve experienced something at least once in your life.

It translates nicely to the English phrasing “have done [something] before”.

You should use this marker when you’re talking about travel experiences, trying a type of food, or watching a specific movie in the past.

Present continuous actions with 緊 (gan2)

When you want to describe an action that’s happening right now, you use the marker 緊 (gan2).

It’s the exact Cantonese equivalent of the “-ing” verb ending in English.

You place 緊 directly after the verb to show that the action is currently in progress.

Ongoing states with 住 (zyu6)

The marker 住 (zyu6) also describes the present, but it focuses on a continuous state rather than an active motion.

You use 住 to indicate that you’re holding an action or maintaining a physical state.

It’s most commonly used for wearing clothes, sitting down, standing up, or holding an object in your hands.

Cantonese aspect markers summary table

Here’s a quick reference table to help you review the differences between these four aspect markers.