gap1 teon1急湍
Jyutpinggap1 teon1
Yalegāp tēun
Definition
Rapids; a fast-flowing part of a river.
writtennature
How it's used
Literary in nature, this term is rarely used in casual daily conversation to describe river conditions. Most locals prefer using descriptive phrases like 水流好急 or 激流 to convey the same meaning. It is more commonly encountered in written descriptions, news reports about natural disasters, or poetic contexts.
Examples
The water in that river is very rapid, please don't go down there to swim.
Related words
Common phrases
rapid water flow
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common adjective used in everyday speech, but using it to describe a fast-moving person or a busy schedule will sound unnatural and overly formal.
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.
