gau3咎

Jyutpinggau3

Yalegau

語素Rare

Definition

Mistake, fault, guilt, or crime.

writtenother

How it's used

Literary in nature, this character is rarely used as a standalone noun in modern spoken Cantonese. It primarily appears in formal compound words like 罪咎 or 自咎. Using it in casual conversation can sound overly dramatic or archaic, as most speakers prefer everyday terms like 錯 or 責任.

Examples

keoi5佢zou6做co3錯zo2咗si6事，m4唔hou2好zoi3再gwaai3怪keoi5佢jau5有gau3咎laa1啦。

He made a mistake, don't blame him anymore.

le1呢gin2件si6事hai6係ngo5我ge3嘅gau3咎，tung4同kei4其taa1他jan4人mou5冇gwaan1關。

This matter is my fault, it has nothing to do with others.

Common phrases

zeoi6罪gau3咎

guilt or crime

zi6自gau3咎

to blame oneself

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a common verb, but it functions more like a formal noun or a literary root. Avoid using it in place of standard verbs like 責怪 or 鬧, as it will sound unnatural and stiff.