goek4 goek2 seng1噱噱聲噱噱声
Jyutpinggoek4 goek2 seng1
Yalegèuhk géuk sēng
Definition
To snore loudly while asleep; the sound of heavy snoring in a deep sleep.
colloquialdaily actionshealth
How it's used
This is an onomatopoeic expression that captures the sound of heavy, rhythmic breathing or snoring associated with deep slumber. It is almost exclusively used to describe someone who is completely unconscious of their surroundings due to exhaustion or a very heavy sleep state. It carries a slightly humorous or informal tone, often used when someone is sleeping through noise or disturbances.
Examples
He was sleeping so soundly last night that he wouldn't wake up no matter how much I called him.
Look at how deeply he is sleeping, maybe we shouldn't wake him up.
Common phrases
to be fast asleep
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general snoring, as the focus is on the depth of sleep rather than the sound itself. It is not used to describe light or restless sleep.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
