gan6近
Jyutpinggan6
Yalegahn
Definition
Near or close in physical or geographical distance.
colloquialdescriptionsplaces
How it's used
Pronunciation shifts depending on context: use the colloquial kan5 when the word stands alone as an adjective or predicate, but switch to the literary gan6 when it appears in compound words like 附近 or 靠近. This distinction is a classic marker of natural speech versus formal vocabulary. It functions primarily as a stative verb, so it often pairs with intensifiers like 好 to describe the degree of proximity.
Examples
It is very close to the sea here, it is very comfortable.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use the literary gan6 pronunciation in all contexts, which sounds stiff or unnatural in casual conversation. Remember that when you are simply asking if something is close, the colloquial kan5 is the correct choice.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
