cyu5曙
Jyutpingcyu5
Yalechyúh
Definition
The light of the rising sun; daybreak, or the dawn of a new epoch.
writtentimenature
How it's used
Primarily used in formal or literary contexts, this character is rarely encountered in everyday spoken Cantonese. It is most frequently seen in the compound 曙光, which serves as a common metaphor for hope or the beginning of a positive turn in a difficult situation. Outside of this specific metaphorical usage, it is largely restricted to written descriptions of sunrise or dawn.
Examples
Before daybreak, he had already left for work.
There is finally a glimmer of hope for this matter.
Related words
Common phrases
first light; glimmer of hope
Common mistake
Do not use this word in casual conversation to describe the morning, as it will sound overly poetic or archaic. Use 天光 instead for the everyday act of the sun rising.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
