gon1 kok3乾涸干涸
Jyutpinggon1 kok3
Yalegōn kok
Definition
To dry up
neutralnaturedescriptions
How it's used
Describes a state of extreme dehydration or lack of moisture, often implying a permanent or severe loss of water. While it can apply to physical objects like soil or riverbeds, it is also frequently used metaphorically to describe a lack of inspiration or resources. It carries a more literary or formal weight compared to simple colloquial descriptions of dryness.
Examples
tiu4 ho4 gon1 kok3 saai3 di1 jyu2 cyun4 bou6 sei2 saai3 laa3
條河乾涸晒，啲魚全部死晒喇。
The river has dried up completely, and all the fish are dead.
nei1 dou6 di1 nai4 gon1 kok3 dou3 lit6 hoi1 saai3 hou2 noi6 mou5 lok6 jyu5
呢度啲泥乾涸到裂開晒，好耐冇落雨。
The soil here is so dried up that it has cracked; it hasn't rained for a long time.
Related words
Common phrases
seoi2 tong4 gon1 kok3
水塘乾涸
reservoir dried up
ho4 dou6 gon1 kok3
河道乾涸
riverbed dried up
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe things that are just slightly dry, like skin or clothes, as it implies a total absence of water. For everyday dryness, use 乾 instead.
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
