dau2陡
Jyutpingdau2
Yaledáu
Definition
Steep, or happening abruptly and unexpectedly.
- steep; precipitous
- abruptly; suddenly; unexpectedly
colloquialdescriptionsnature
How it's used
Primarily functions as an adjective describing physical inclines, but it also appears in the adverbial form 陡然 to describe sudden or unexpected actions. When used for physical slopes, it carries a sense of danger or difficulty in navigation. It is distinctly more common in spoken descriptions of terrain than formal written alternatives.
Examples
This mountain path is so steep, my legs feel weak from walking.
He turned around abruptly and gave me a fright.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 抖, which means to rest or tremble. Learners often mix up the characters because they look similar, but 陡 relates to height and slope while 抖 relates to physical movement or relaxation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
