gau3 ging2究竟
Jyutpinggau3 ging2
Yalegau gíng
Definition
Actually, exactly, or after all; used in questions to intensify the tone of inquiry.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
This word functions as an intensifier for questions, adding a sense of impatience, frustration, or genuine curiosity. It is most commonly used when the speaker feels the answer has been elusive or when they are demanding a clear explanation. It is almost exclusively reserved for questions that already contain a question word like 邊度 or 乜嘢, or a choice structure like 識唔識.
Examples
Where on earth did you go?
Related words
Common phrases
what on earth is going on
what exactly do you want
Common mistake
Do not use this in simple yes or no questions that lack a choice structure. For example, asking 你究竟食飯未 is correct, but asking 你究竟食飯 is grammatically incorrect because it lacks the necessary interrogative element.
Grammar color guide
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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.
