gau1 / kau1勼
Jyutpinggau1 / kau1
Yalegāu / kāu
Definition
To gather; to assemble or bring together.
colloquialbodydaily actions
How it's used
This verb specifically describes the action of retracting or curling one's body into a small, tight shape. It is most commonly used when someone is cold, hiding, or feeling insecure and wants to minimize their physical presence. It carries a sense of being tucked away or compressed into a corner or a confined space.
Examples
He really likes to curl up inside the blanket.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 縮, which is a more general term for shrinking or pulling back. Use 勼 when emphasizing the specific posture of being curled or huddled up rather than just the act of retreating.
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.
