gung2拱
Jyutpinggung2
Yalegúng
Definition
To arch or curve into an arc; to hump up.
colloquialbodydaily actions
How it's used
Primarily describes a physical action where a surface or body part curves upwards to form an arc. It is frequently used to describe animals like cats or dogs displaying aggression or fear by raising their spines. In a more metaphorical sense, it can describe the movement of pushing or nudging something with the snout or head, similar to how a pig roots around in the dirt.
Examples
The cat arched its back, it looks really scared.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to mean simply bending or folding something, as it specifically implies an upward, rounded protrusion. It is not interchangeable with 彎 when referring to a simple curve or a bend in a road.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
