CANTONESE PRONUNCIATION · TIME & PLANS
How to say “I can’t make it until 7:30” in Cantonese
Watch, listen, and try the phrase at your own pace.
The Cantonese phrase
七點半先得呀cat1 dim2 bun3 sin1 dak1 aa3
I can’t make it until 7:30
Video uses a saved generated-voice recording from the Canto School app library.
New to Cantonese? Follow the beginner roadmap
Look closer at this phrase
七點半 (cat1 dim2 bun3) is 7:30. 先得 (sin1 dak1) means that only then works, so the reply counters an earlier proposed time rather than simply naming a time.
The number after each Jyutping syllable marks its Cantonese tone. Listen to the whole saved recording and repeat at your own pace.
When to use it
Friend or coworker · Countering with a later time. Teaches a counteroffer; sin1 matters