gaak3革
Jyutpinggaak3
Yalegaak
Definition
Animal hide, leather, or to remove or dismiss someone from a post.
- animal hide; leather
- to remove; to dismiss; to expel
neutralclothingwork
How it's used
While 革 refers to animal hide or leather in a formal or literary sense, it is rarely used in daily speech to describe common leather goods. Instead, people almost exclusively use the loanword 皮 or 皮革 when discussing materials. The character is most frequently encountered in formal contexts like government or corporate terminology, such as 革職 for dismissal or 改革 for reform.
Examples
He was dismissed from the company because he made a mistake.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use 革 as a standalone noun for leather in casual conversation, as it sounds archaic or overly academic. Use 皮 instead.
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.
