gau3 meng6 hyun1救命圈
Jyutpinggau3 meng6 hyun1
Yalegau mehng hyūn
Definition
A lifebuoy; a life preserver.
neutraltransportother
How it's used
Used primarily in maritime or swimming contexts to refer to the circular flotation device. While it functions as a literal safety tool, it is rarely used metaphorically in Cantonese to mean a 'lifeline' or 'last resort' in the way English speakers might use the term.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Hurry up and get the lifebuoy for him.
Are there any lifebuoys left on the boat?
Related words
Common phrases
to throw a lifebuoy
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 救生衣, which refers specifically to a life jacket or life vest worn on the body rather than a circular buoy.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
