CJK Character 係

In Cantonese, 係 means “is/are”; alone, it can answer “yes.” Before a noun phrase, it identifies or classifies someone or something. As a short reply, it confirms a question or acknowledges that the sender is listening; the surrounding message shows which.

Its Cantonese reading is hai6, written in Jyutping, a way to spell Cantonese sounds with Latin letters; it sounds roughly like “hai” with a low, level tone. Written Cantonese follows spoken Cantonese, so this form fits conversational writing; Standard Written Chinese generally uses different wording.

What does 係 mean in Japanese?

In Japanese, 係 names a role or connection, not “yes.” The reading かかり (kakari, roughly “ka-ka-ri”) can name a person assigned to a task; 案内係 (あんないがかり, annai-gakari) is an information or guidance attendant. In classical Japanese, 係り結び (かかりむすび, kakari-musubi) names a grammar pattern in which a particle affects the sentence ending.

In Japanese, look for the whole word or grammar term: the Cantonese reply meaning does not carry over.

Where does 係 come from?

Its older meaning centers on tying or binding. The supplied accounts disagree about when its recognizable form appears: one traces it to oracle-bone script, while another describes 係 as a later formation after 系.

Shuowen, an early Chinese dictionary, explains 係 through tight binding. Its account connects the person component with binding someone by cord, including a ritual use. Historical senses also include restraining someone and maintaining a connection.