gai1 gam2 goek3雞噉腳鸡啖脚
Jyutpinggai1 gam2 goek3
Yalegāi gám geuk
Definition
To walk very quickly, rush off, or flee in a hurry out of fear.
colloquialdaily actionsanimals
How it's used
This expression vividly describes someone moving with the frantic, erratic pace of a chicken trying to escape danger. It is almost exclusively used to describe a hasty departure or a panicked retreat rather than just walking fast for exercise or efficiency. The imagery implies a sense of being startled or desperate to avoid an awkward situation.
Examples
gin3 dou2 go3 haak3 lai4 keoi5 zik1 hak1 gai1 gam2 goek3 zau2 zo2
見到個客嚟，佢即刻雞噉腳走咗。
He rushed off in a hurry as soon as he saw the client coming.
zou6 mat1 nei5 gam1 jat6 faan1 gung1 gam3 gai1 gam2 goek3 aa4
做乜你今日返工咁雞噉腳呀？
Why are you in such a rush to get to work today?
Related words
Common phrases
gai1 gam2 goek3 zau2
雞噉腳走
to rush off
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply walking fast because they are athletic or late for an appointment. It specifically carries the nuance of being flustered or wanting to avoid someone or something.
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
