cing2 gau3拯救
Jyutpingcing2 gau3
Yalechíng gau
Definition
To rescue, save, or salvage, especially in a life-threatening situation.
neutraldaily actionspeople
How it's used
While 拯救 is a standard term for rescue, it carries a sense of gravity and urgency often associated with life or death situations. In casual daily life, people are much more likely to use 救 or 救命 when talking about helping someone out of a minor predicament or a simple problem.
Examples
The firefighters rescued that child very quickly.
Do you have any way to save this shop that is about to close down?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using 拯救 for trivial matters like fixing a computer or helping someone with a small task, as it sounds overly dramatic and formal. Use 救 or 幫手 instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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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.
