gau2久
Jyutpinggau2
Yalegáu
Definition
For a long time; a long duration of time.
colloquialtime
How it's used
While 久 is used in formal written Chinese, it is rarely used in spoken Cantonese to mean 'a long time'. Instead, speakers almost exclusively use 好耐. Using 久 in casual conversation can sound overly literary or like a direct translation from Mandarin.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use 久 as a standalone adjective in speech. Always use the phrase 好耐 to describe a duration of time.
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.
