gau3穀谷
Jyutpinggau3
Yalegau
Definition
Grain; cereal crops.
neutralfoodnature
How it's used
Refers specifically to cereal crops or grains in their raw, unhusked state. While it appears in formal compound words like 五穀, it is rarely used as a standalone noun in casual daily speech, where people prefer more specific terms like 米 or 麥.
Measure word
zung3種jungExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the character 谷, which is a common component in names and means valley. They are distinct characters in traditional Chinese, though they may share similar phonetic elements.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
