geng2 hot3頸渴颈渴
Jyutpinggeng2 hot3
Yalegéng hot
Definition
Thirsty; feeling a dry mouth and wanting to drink water.
colloquialhealthdrink
How it's used
Native speakers often use this to describe the physical sensation of needing liquid, but it is also frequently used metaphorically to express a strong desire for something, such as being thirsty for knowledge or success. While it is the standard colloquial term, you might occasionally hear the more formal 口渴 in written contexts or news reports.
Examples
Are you thirsty? Let's buy a bottle of water.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid confusing this with 頸痛, which refers to a sore neck. Because 頸 means neck, beginners sometimes mistakenly think 頸渴 relates to neck pain rather than the throat being dry.
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.
