gou1膏

Jyutpinggou1

Yalegōu

語素Uncommon

Definition

Paste, ointment, cream, or other thick, viscous substances.

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How it's used

Refers specifically to viscous, semi-solid substances that are often medicinal or cosmetic in nature. It is rarely used as a standalone noun in daily speech, appearing most frequently as a suffix in compound words like 牙膏 or 藥膏. When describing the thick consistency of a liquid or sauce, Cantonese speakers prefer the adjective 杰 instead.

Measure word

zi1支jī

Examples

nei5你gei3記dak1得caa4搽di1啲joek6藥gou1膏喺hai2傷soeng1口hau2度dou6呀。

Remember to apply some ointment on your wound.

zi1支ngaa4牙gou1膏jung6用saai3晒laa1喇，gei3記dak1得maai5買faan1返zi1支san1新。

The toothpaste is all used up, remember to buy a new one.

Related words

Common phrases

ngaa4牙gou1膏

toothpaste

joek6藥gou1膏

medicinal ointment

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 糕, which refers to solid or semi-solid food items like cakes or puddings. While both share a similar sound, 膏 is strictly for pastes or ointments, whereas 糕 is for edible treats.