gon1 baa1乾巴干巴
Jyutpinggon1 baa1
Yalegōn bā
Definition
Dry; dried up, shriveled, or wizened.
colloquialfoodbody
How it's used
Describes a texture that lacks moisture or juiciness, often implying an unpleasant or unappealing quality. It is frequently used for food that has been overcooked or for physical sensations like parched skin or lips. Unlike formal terms for dry, this carries a sensory, slightly negative connotation.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin term 乾巴, which often describes a person who looks thin, gaunt, or withered. In Cantonese, it is almost exclusively reserved for describing the texture of food or the physical feeling of dryness.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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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.
