duk6 hei3毒氣毒气
Jyutpingduk6 hei3
Yaleduhk hei
Definition
Poison gas; toxic or poisonous gas.
colloquialhealthother
How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of toxic chemical vapors, this term is frequently used in casual conversation to describe an extremely unpleasant or suffocating smell, such as a foul odor in a room or from a person. It carries a hyperbolic tone when used to complain about bad air quality or body odor. It is not used to describe actual chemical warfare agents in a formal or military context, where more technical terms are preferred.
Examples
It smells like there is poison gas here, it stinks.
The factory is leaking poison gas, everyone hurry and leave.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 毒氣室, which specifically refers to a gas chamber. Using this word to describe a simple bad smell is common, but it is quite strong and implies the air is physically harmful or unbearable.
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.
