cit3 gwat1徹骨彻骨
Jyutpingcit3 gwat1
Yalechit gwāt
Definition
Deep, profound, or to a large degree; literally to the bone.
neutraldescriptionsemotion
How it's used
Used primarily to describe intense physical sensations like cold or deep-seated emotions like hatred or resentment. It functions as a descriptive adjective that emphasizes the extremity of a feeling by suggesting it has penetrated to the very core of one's being. While it appears in written prose, it is also used in dramatic or emphatic speech to convey a sense of profound impact.
Examples
This kind of cold wind really blows right into my bones.
Her hatred is truly deep-seated.
Related words
Common phrases
chilling to the bone
hating someone to the core
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe everyday deep feelings like love or interest, as it carries a heavy, often negative or painful connotation. It is not a general-purpose intensifier for 'very'.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
