gon1 hon5乾旱干旱
Jyutpinggon1 hon5
Yalegōn hóhn
Definition
Arid or dry; lacking moisture in the soil, air, or other materials.
neutralnatureweather
How it's used
Focuses primarily on environmental or agricultural conditions rather than personal physical states. While it can describe skin, it often carries a more formal or scientific tone compared to the common spoken word 乾. Use it when discussing climate patterns, soil quality, or large scale environmental issues.
Examples
The weather has been very dry lately, and my skin is all dried out.
That piece of land is so arid, how can anything grow there?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe objects like clothes or hair, where 乾 is the standard term. Using it for everyday dry items sounds overly academic or unnatural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
