bik1 gan6逼近
Jyutpingbik1 gan6
Yalebīk gahn
Definition
To approach, close in, or draw near, especially of something threatening.
neutralother
How it's used
Focuses specifically on a sense of impending danger or pressure, making it unsuitable for neutral arrivals like a friend coming to visit. It carries a heavy, serious tone often reserved for natural disasters, military threats, or looming deadlines. While it functions as a verb, it is rarely used in casual, everyday small talk.
Examples
The typhoon is about to approach Hong Kong, everyone be careful.
The enemy troops have already closed in on the city gate, what should we do?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a person walking towards you in a friendly way, as it implies a hostile or threatening intent. Use 行埋嚟 instead for neutral or positive approaches.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
