aai3隘
Jyutpingaai3
Yaleaai
Definition
A narrow path, or a strategically located pass.
- narrow; tight
- a strategic pass; choke point
writtenplacesdescriptions
How it's used
This character is rarely used in everyday spoken Cantonese, where people prefer 窄 to describe narrow spaces. It is mostly encountered in formal descriptions of geography, history, or military strategy. Using it in casual conversation can make you sound overly literary or like you are reading from a textbook.
Examples
That mountain path is very narrow, be careful when walking.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 窄. While 隘 refers to a narrow pass or a strategic bottleneck, 窄 is the standard, everyday adjective for anything that is physically narrow or tight.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
