gam3 gu3禁錮禁锢
Jyutpinggam3 gu3
Yalegam gu
Definition
To confine, detain, or imprison someone illegally.
neutralpeopleother
How it's used
Used primarily in legal or news contexts to describe illegal confinement or kidnapping. It carries a heavy, serious tone and is rarely used in casual conversation to describe being stuck at home or work. When referring to being physically trapped in a room or building, people often use 韞 instead.
Examples
He was imprisoned in the room, it is so miserable.
The police rescued the child who had been held captive.
Related words
Common phrases
illegal imprisonment
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 監禁, which refers to a formal, legal prison sentence handed down by a court. 禁錮 specifically implies an illegal or forceful act of holding someone against their will.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
