gou1皐
Jyutpinggou1
Yalegōu
Definition
High riverbank.
writtennatureplaces
How it's used
Rarely encountered in modern spoken Cantonese, this character is almost exclusively found in literary descriptions or specific place names. Most native speakers would use 岸 or 河岸 instead of this term in daily life. It carries a formal or classical nuance that feels out of place in casual conversation.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for common characters with similar shapes, but it is effectively obsolete for general communication. Using it in a normal sentence will likely confuse listeners who may not recognize the character at all.
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.
