gan3艮
Jyutpinggan3
Yalegan
Definition
To feel the sudden, sharp sensation of touching or being near something very cold; to apply ice to a body part.
colloquialbodyhealth
How it's used
This word specifically describes the sensation of coldness transferred through direct physical contact. It is often used in medical or first aid contexts, such as applying a cold compress to reduce swelling or fever. Unlike general words for touching, it carries a strong implication of temperature contrast.
Examples
Use this piece of ice to press against your forehead.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general verbs for touching like 掂 or 摸, as those do not imply a cold sensation. It is strictly reserved for contact with something cold.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- 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.
