fu1孵
Definition
To incubate or hatch; to sit on and warm eggs so that they develop and hatch.
How it's used
Beyond the literal biological process of birds sitting on eggs, this verb is frequently used metaphorically to describe someone staying indoors for an extended period, often lazily or while recovering from illness. It carries a sense of being stationary and warm, similar to how a bird remains fixed in one spot to provide heat. You will often hear it used in the phrase 孵冷氣 to describe someone staying inside an air-conditioned room for a long time to escape the heat.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the act of simply sitting down, as it implies a continuous, purposeful state of remaining in one place to provide warmth or protection. It is specifically tied to the concept of incubation or staying put for an extended duration.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
