gang1 tai3更替
Jyutpinggang1 tai3
Yalegāng tai
Definition
To replace or alternate, typically referring to two or more things repeatedly succeeding one another.
neutraldaily actionstime
How it's used
Focuses on the cyclical or alternating nature of replacement rather than a simple one-off swap. It is frequently used in formal or literary contexts to describe natural processes like seasons or shifts in power. When used in daily speech, it often implies a structured rotation between two or more entities.
Examples
These two things must be replaced in turns.
The two of them are responsible for taking turns working.
Related words
Common phrases
the cycle of the four seasons
the replacement of the old with the new
Common mistake
Avoid using this for simple, one-time replacements like changing a lightbulb or swapping a broken item, as it sounds overly formal and implies a recurring cycle.
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.
