fat1忽
Jyutpingfat1
Yalefāt
Definition
Sudden; abrupt.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Functions primarily as a bound morpheme in Cantonese rather than a standalone adjective. It carries a sense of instability or unpredictability, often appearing in reduplicated structures like 忽冷忽熱 to describe fluctuating states or moods. Unlike 突然, which acts as an adverbial modifier, 忽 is almost exclusively found within compound words.
Examples
He is hot and cold, I do not know what to do.
Related words
Common phrases
hot and cold (mood or temperature)
Common mistake
Avoid using 忽 as a standalone adjective to mean sudden, as it will sound unnatural or archaic. Always use 突然 or 忽然 for the adverbial meaning.
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.
