gat1虼
Jyutpinggat1
Yalegāt
Definition
Flea
colloquialanimals
How it's used
Refers specifically to the small jumping insect that infests pets or carpets. While technically correct, many speakers now prefer the loanword 蚤 or simply use 蚤乸 to describe the pest. It is rarely used in modern urban settings unless someone is specifically discussing hygiene issues or animal care.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
There are so many fleas in the room, they bit me until I am so itchy.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin term 跳蚤, which is understood but sounds unnatural in a Cantonese sentence. Stick to 虼 or 蚤 for local usage.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
