gon3幹干
Jyutpinggon3
Yalegon
Definition
The trunk or main body of something.
neutralnature
How it's used
Refers specifically to the main structural part of a plant or tree. While it appears in formal compound words, it is rarely used as a standalone noun in daily speech. Speakers almost always prefer the more specific compound 樹幹 to describe a tree trunk.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhRelated words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin verb meaning to do or work, which is considered vulgar or offensive in Cantonese. Using it as a verb in Hong Kong will cause significant misunderstanding.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
