gei1飢饥
Jyutpinggei1
Yalegēi
Definition
Hunger; being starved or having no food.
colloquialfoodhealth
How it's used
While 飢 is a common morpheme in written Chinese, it is rarely used as a standalone verb in spoken Cantonese. Most speakers prefer the compound 肚餓 to express the feeling of hunger. Using 飢 alone can sound slightly literary or overly dramatic in casual conversation.
Examples
I am so hungry right now, I want to find something to eat.
Are you very hungry? Why don't we go eat?
Related words
Common phrases
hunger
Common mistake
Learners often mistake 飢 for a common verb, but it is primarily used in formal compounds like 飢餓. In daily life, always use 肚餓 to describe being hungry.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
