gam1 so1金梳
Jyutpinggam1 so1
Yalegām sō
Definition
To come ashore; to make landfall.
colloquialworktime
How it's used
This term is a Cantonese adaptation of the English phrase "come ashore," historically used to describe sailors finishing their sea service and settling down on land. It carries a specific connotation of retiring from a difficult or nomadic career to enjoy a stable life. While it retains a slightly old-fashioned or nautical flavor, it is still understood by many as a metaphor for retirement.
Examples
He made money from his business and can finally retire comfortably.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of a golden comb, which is rarely used in daily life. Using it to describe actual hair accessories will likely cause confusion as the metaphorical meaning of retirement is the primary association for most speakers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
