gaau2 gaau2佼佼
Jyutpinggaau2 gaau2
Yalegáau gáau
Definition
Outstanding or well above average.
writtenpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This term is almost exclusively used in the compound form 佼佼者 to describe a person who stands out in a specific field or group. It carries a formal or literary tone, often appearing in written reports, news, or formal speeches rather than casual conversation. Using it in everyday speech can sound slightly pretentious or overly dramatic.
Examples
He really is the outstanding one in the class.
Related words
Common phrases
outstanding person
Common mistake
Learners often try to use it as a standalone adjective like good or smart, but it must be followed by 者 to function as a noun referring to the person who is outstanding.
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.
