gau3 jan4 jyu4 gau3 fo2救人如救火
Jyutpinggau3 jan4 jyu4 gau3 fo2
Yalegau yành yyùh gau fó
Definition
To describe a situation where a person is in urgent need of help
colloquialpeopledaily actions
How it's used
This idiom is used to emphasize that time is of the essence when someone is in distress or danger. It is frequently employed to urge others to act immediately without hesitation or delay. While it carries a sense of gravity, it can also be applied to non-medical situations where a problem requires an instant solution to prevent further damage.
Examples
faai3 di1 heoi3 bong1 sau2 laa1 gau3 jan4 jyu4 gau3 fo2 aa4
快啲去幫手啦，救人如救火呀！
Go help quickly, saving a life is as urgent as fighting a fire!
keoi5 dei6 gam3 gap1 gon2 gwo3 heoi3 hai6 mai6 gau3 jan4 jyu4 gau3 fo2
佢哋咁急趕過去，係咪救人如救火？
They are rushing over so urgently, is it a life-or-death situation?
Related words
Common phrases
gau3 jan4 jyu4 gau3 fo2
救人如救火
saving a life is like fighting a fire
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
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.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
