fai1 faat3揮發挥发
Jyutpingfai1 faat3
Yalefāi faat
Definition
To volatilize or evaporate; used especially for liquids other than water at room temperature.
neutralother
How it's used
Distinguish this from 蒸發, which is reserved for water or water-based liquids turning into vapor. Use 揮發 specifically for volatile organic compounds, solvents, or chemicals like alcohol and gasoline that turn into gas at room temperature. It carries a slightly more technical or scientific nuance compared to the everyday action of water drying up.
Examples
If you leave the cap off this perfume bottle, it will evaporate very quickly.
Do you know which chemicals are volatile?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use 揮發 for water drying up or puddles disappearing, as that is strictly 蒸發. Using 揮發 for water sounds unnatural and overly formal, like a chemistry textbook.
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.
