gon1杆
Jyutpinggon1
Yalegōn
Definition
Pole; shaft; a long, thin rod.
neutralother
How it's used
Refers specifically to long, thin, rigid objects that often serve as a support or a handle. While it shares a similar meaning to 棍, it is more restricted to items that are structural or functional, such as parts of tools or equipment. It is almost always paired with the classifier 支 when used in a sentence.
Measure word
zi1支jīExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 桿, which is a common variant in writing, but 杆 is the standard character for these physical objects. Be careful not to use it for generic sticks or wooden clubs, where 棍 is much more natural.
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.
