guk1鞫
Jyutpingguk1
Yalegūk
Definition
To interrogate, especially in a judicial or official context.
writtenother
How it's used
Literary and formal in nature, this character is rarely encountered in modern spoken Cantonese. It is primarily found in written contexts or classical texts, often appearing in compound words related to legal questioning or extreme states of distress. Using it in casual conversation will sound highly unnatural or overly academic.
Examples
The police interrogated him for a long time.
He is living in poverty right now.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 鞠, which is visually similar but carries the meaning of bowing or bending. Ensure the radical is correctly identified to avoid misusing the character in formal writing.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
