gung6 cyun4共存
Jyutpinggung6 cyun4
Yaleguhng chyùhn
Definition
To coexist; to exist at the same time and place without mutual exclusion.
neutralpeoplenature
How it's used
Used primarily in formal or academic contexts to describe the state of two or more entities existing together in harmony. While it is a valid word, native speakers often prefer more descriptive phrases like 一齊生活 or 互相包容 when talking about daily social interactions or personal relationships. It carries a slightly intellectual or political tone, often appearing in news reports about environmental issues or social integration.
Examples
I hope humans and animals can coexist.
Their personalities are so different, how can they coexist?
Related words
Common phrases
peaceful coexistence
Common mistake
Avoid using this word to describe simple proximity, such as two people sitting in the same room. It implies a deeper, often long-term state of mutual tolerance or survival that goes beyond just being in the same physical space.
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.
