cau3 kiu2湊蹺凑跷
Jyutpingcau3 kiu2
Yalechau kíu
Definition
By coincidence; coincidentally; happening by chance.
colloquialother
How it's used
Often used to describe surprising or unexpected encounters or events that happen simultaneously. It carries a slightly more informal and playful tone than the standard 咁啱. Native speakers frequently use it to emphasize the sheer improbability of a situation.
Examples
We bumped into each other on the street by coincidence.
Did you two happen to buy the same shirt by coincidence?
Related words
Common phrases
to bump into someone by coincidence
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 湊仔, which means to look after a child. The pronunciation and meaning are completely unrelated.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
