gaau1 tai3交替
Jyutpinggaau1 tai3
Yalegāau tai
Definition
To alternate, replace, or take over; to change from one state or phase to another.
neutralworktime
How it's used
Focuses on the process of switching or alternating between two states or roles rather than a permanent replacement. It is often used in formal or technical contexts to describe cycles or shifts, such as seasons or work rotations. In casual speech, people frequently prefer using 輪流 or 換嚟換去 to express the same idea of taking turns.
Examples
The two of them take turns doing the work.
Related words
Common phrases
alternation of day and night
proceed alternately
Common mistake
Avoid using this word to mean replacing a broken object, as it implies a back and forth cycle rather than a one time substitution. For replacing an item, use 換 instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
