gaau2姣
Jyutpinggaau2
Yalegáau
Definition
Beautiful; pretty; attractive (describing a woman's appearance).
colloquialdescriptionspeople
How it's used
Primarily appears in the compound 姣好 to describe a refined or exquisite appearance. While the character itself can carry a negative connotation of being flirtatious or coquettish in certain contexts, its use in 姣好 is strictly positive and formal. Distinguish this from its use as a verb or adjective describing behavior, which is often derogatory.
Examples
She is very beautiful, it is truly enviable.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this character on its own to compliment someone's looks, as it is frequently interpreted as calling a woman flirtatious or promiscuous rather than simply pretty.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
