gan2覲觐
Jyutpinggan2
Yalegán
Definition
To have an audience with the emperor.
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How it's used
This term is strictly reserved for formal or historical contexts involving royalty or high-ranking officials. It carries a heavy sense of hierarchy and ritual, making it sound extremely out of place in any modern or casual setting. You will mostly encounter it in period dramas or historical texts rather than in daily speech.
Examples
He was fortunate enough to have an audience with the Emperor in the palace back then.
Do you know who is qualified to have an audience with him?
Related words
Common phrases
to have an audience with the Emperor
to have an audience with the monarch
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general word for meeting someone, but using it to describe meeting a friend or colleague will sound bizarrely archaic and overly dramatic.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
