cou4徂
Jyutpingcou4
Yalechòuh
Definition
To go; to die.
- literaryto go; to reach
- literaryto pass away; to die
writtendaily actions
How it's used
This character is almost exclusively used in written Cantonese to represent the sound and meaning of going or dying. In daily speech, you will almost never hear it spoken aloud, as people prefer using 去 for going or 走咗 for dying. It carries a formal or literary weight that makes it feel out of place in casual conversation.
Examples
He passed away a long time ago.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the particle 咗, which marks completed action. They are visually similar but functionally unrelated, as 徂 is a verb while 咗 is a grammatical marker.
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.
