gau3救
Jyutpinggau3
Yalegau
Definition
To rescue, save, or help get someone out of a dangerous situation.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
While often used for physical rescue, this verb is frequently employed in hyperbolic, everyday situations to describe getting someone out of a bind, such as finishing a task for a colleague or paying a bill for a friend. It carries a sense of urgency or relief that goes beyond simple assistance. When used as an exclamation, it is almost always paired with 命 to form 救命.
Examples
Go save him quickly, he fell into the water!
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 幫, which is a general term for helping someone with a task. 救 implies a state of distress or danger that requires immediate intervention to resolve.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
