gau3究

Jyutpinggau3

Yalegau

語素Uncommon

Definition

To investigate, research, or probe into; to reach the absolute limit or bottom of something.

to investigate, study, or research
to reach the limit; after all; in the end

neutraldaily actionsother

How it's used

Functions primarily as a bound morpheme in Cantonese, rarely appearing as a standalone verb in spoken language. It carries a sense of getting to the root or ultimate truth of a situation. When used in compounds like 追究, it implies a formal or serious tone often associated with accountability or legal consequences.

Examples

le1呢gin2件si6事jat1一ding6定jiu3要zeoi1追gau3究dou3到dai2底。

This matter must be investigated to the end.

nei5你zou6做me1咩jiu3要gau3究gan1根man6問dai2底aa4呀？

Why do you have to get to the bottom of everything?

Common phrases

zeoi1追gau3究zaak3責jam6任

to hold someone accountable

gau3究gan1根man6問dai2底

to get to the bottom of a matter

Common mistake

Do not use this as a standalone verb for 'to study' or 'to investigate' in daily speech. Use 查 or 研究 instead, as 究 by itself sounds overly literary or incomplete to a native ear.