Grammar 17 - Cantonese Verb Completion Marker - 埋(maai4)

In this lesson, we explore the Cantonese completion marker "埋" (maai4), which is used to indicate that an ongoing action is nearing its completion, often with an emphasis on the final stage or the last instance of the action. We’ll highlight when and why "埋" carries additional nuances that "完" does not. Through examples, you'll learn how "埋" can be used to wrap up an action, finish something off, or signify the last time of doing something. This lesson will help you understand the subtle differences and appropriate contexts for using "埋" in Cantonese.
cantonese-verb-completion-marker-maai4

Table of Content

#   Ongoing action until Completion
#   Finishing off or Wrapped up something
#   The Last Time of doing a certain action

"埋" is a completion marker in Cantonese that indicates an ongoing action is reaching completion, usually in its final stage, or when something is being finished off or wrapped up (often focusing on the last direct object), or the last time of doing a certain action. Its Mandarin equivalent is typically 完.

While "埋" often suggests wrapping up or dealing with the remaining part of something or the last time of doing a certain action, it carries an additional nuance that "完" does not. Although "埋" can sometimes be replaced by "完," the latter doesn’t emphasise the final stage or ongoing nature of the action in the same way. Therefore, "完" cannot always substitute for "埋," as "埋" has a broader implication that "完" lacks.

【subject - verb - 埋() - (obj./n.) 】

Ongoing action until Completion

Most of the time, 埋 in such sentences can be replaced by 完.

  1. 我()食()緊()飯()呀()，我()食()埋()飯()再()搵()你()啦()
    I'm eating right now. I'll find you after I finish eating.

    (Eating is an ongoing action, and I will find you after this action is completed.)

  2. 我()覆()埋()呢()個() message 就()瞓()
    I'll go to sleep after I reply to this message.

    (Replying to messages is an ongoing action that will be completed after this final message is sent.)

  3. 我()打()埋()呢()鋪()機()就()嚟()食()飯()
    I will come to eat after I finish this round of the game.

    (Playing video game is an ongoing action that will be completed after this round of the game is finished)
    (打 - to hit｜機 - machine｜打機 - to play video games)

Finishing off or Wrapped up something

  1. 我()執()埋()啲()手()尾()就()走()
    I'll head out after wrapping up a few loose ends.

    (執 - to pick up｜手尾 - lit. hand-tail, unfinished part of a work｜執手尾 - to finish up the final part of the work)

  2. 我()飽()啦()，你()食()埋()佢()啦()
    I'm done. you can have the rest.
    (lit. I'm full. You eat it. Although it might sound rude to say it in English, it's actually okay to say so to your friend in Cantonese especially if you're sharing food.)

The Last Time of doing a certain action

In sentences like these, 埋 usually can't be replaced with 完. According to 粵典, 埋 sometimes conveys a sense of inclusion or addition. You can also think of it as adding that one last action to the previous ones.

  1. 我()解()釋()埋()今()次()，你()唔()明()就()算()
    I'll explain one more time. If you still don't get it, then forget it.
    (lit. I’ll explain this time, …)

    (I have already explained it for so many times, and this will be the one last time)

  2. 你()信()埋()我()今()次()啦()，我()以()後()唔()會()㗎()啦()
    Trust me this one last time. I won't do it again.

    (I understand that you have already trusted me so many times, and I want you to trust me for this one last time.)