do1 gau2多久
Jyutpingdo1 gau2
Yaledō gáu
Definition
How long; a question word for the duration of time.
colloquialtime
How it's used
Native speakers almost exclusively use 幾耐 to ask about duration of time in daily life. While 多久 is understood, it sounds like a translation from Mandarin or a written form that feels out of place in casual conversation. Using 幾耐 makes your Cantonese sound significantly more natural and authentic.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using 多久 in spoken Cantonese as it is perceived as a written or Mandarin-influenced term. Stick to 幾耐 to ensure your questions sound like those of a local.
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.
