gaak3嗝
Jyutpinggaak3
Yalegaak
Definition
To hiccup, belch, or gag.
- to hiccup; to belch
- to gag; to choke
colloquialbodyhealth
How it's used
The character 嗝 is primarily used in the phrase 打嗝 to describe the involuntary spasm of the diaphragm. It is distinct from 噯氣, which refers to burping or belching, though both involve the release of gas or air. In casual speech, it is common to hear people describe the sensation of being overly full as 頂住個胃, which often precedes or accompanies the need to burp.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
After drinking soda, he couldn't help but let out a hiccup.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse 嗝 with 咳, as the former refers to hiccups while the latter refers to coughing. Learners sometimes mistakenly use 嗝 to describe any throat irritation, but it is specifically tied to the diaphragm or digestive gas.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
